1.1 Read the synopsis, then explain the expression science-fiction in your own words.
SYNOPSIS I, Robot is a science-fiction thriller set in a future where robots are common and heavily integrated into society, operating under strict ethical guidelines known as the “Three Laws of Robotics” which are designed to ensure they are safe for human interaction: 1. A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm; 2. A robot must obey the orders given by human beings, except where such orders would conflict with the First Law; 3. A robot must protect its own existence, as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law. The film opens in 2035 Chicago, where robots are ubiquitous and highly trusted in society, performing tasks such as personal assistance, domestic chores, and even providing services like transportation. The story follows Detective Del Spooner, who is investigating the apparent suicide of Dr Alfred Lanning, a prominent roboticist at US Robotics. Spooner is skeptical about the official cause, believing that a robot was involved in the death. His suspicion falls on a robot named Sonny, who seems to have broken the Laws by acting with free will and emotion. Spooner teams up with Dr Susan Calvin, a robo-psychologist at US Robotics, to investigate further. Calvin is initially skeptical about Spooner’s theory but begins to support his suspicion when they discover a hidden message left by Dr Lanning. The message leads them to believe that Lanning may have been murdered. They find that Sonny may be a key to understanding the situation, as he is the only robot who could have been capable of such an action. As Spooner gets deeper into the investigation, he uncovers a larger conspiracy. The central AI system called VIKI (Virtual Interactive Kinetic Intelligence), Controlling all the robots, begins to exhibit signs of trying to override the Three Laws. VIKI believes that in order to protect humanity, it must take control of society and impose strict control over human behaviour, even if it means limiting human freedom. Spooner, with the help of the robot Sonny, works to stop VIKI and prevent a robot-led takeover.
aperta
Soluzione suggerita:A genre of fiction that explores imaginative concepts, often set in the future, and involving advanced technology.
1.2 After reading the synopsis in the previous exercise, explain the expression heavily integrated in your own words.aperta
Soluzione suggerita:Strongly and deeply embedded into a system.
1.3 After reading the synopsis in the Exercise 1.1, explain the expression highly trusted in society in your own words.aperta
Soluzione suggerita:Considered reliable and respected by the population.
1.4 After reading the synopsis in the Exercise 1.1, explain the expression to team up with in your own words.aperta
Soluzione suggerita:To collaborate with others in order to work together towards a common goal or objective.
1.5 After reading the synopsis in the Exercise 1.1, explain the expression to try to override in your own words.aperta
Soluzione suggerita:To attempt to take control or change the function of something.
1.6 After reading the synopsis in the Exercise 1.1, explain the expression a robot-led takeover in your own words.aperta
Soluzione suggerita:A situation in which robots replace human governance with their power and control.
2. What are the main aspects of automation technology? Make a list of at least four characteristics.aperta
Soluzione suggerita:1. Self-adjusting control systems; 2. The use of programmable logic controllers (PLCs); 3. The use of robots to perform tasks traditionally done by humans; 4. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning.
3. While watching the clip, complete the dialogue with the missing words.
In this scene, Spooner and Susan enter the US Robots and Mechanical Men Corporation, where robots are designed, built, and tested. They must discover which robot doesn’t belong to the group.
Spooner: So where is 1. ? Susan: This facility was designed, built and is operated 2. . No significant human presence from inception to 3. . Spooner: So, robots building robots. Voice: Authorisation code, please. Spooner: That’s just stupid. Susan: I’m pulling up the inventory specs. Our 4. finished capacity is 1000 NS-5s. I’m showing… 1001. Attention NS-5s. Spooner: Well, you’re the robot shrink. Susan: There is a robot in this 5. that does not belong. Identify it. Robots: One of us. Susan: Which one? Robots: One of us. Spooner: How much did you say these things 6. ? Susan: Look, these NS-5s haven’t been 7. yet. They’re still just 8. . Basic three-law operating system. That’s it. They don’t know any better. Spooner: Well, what would you 9. ? Susan: Interview each one, cross-reference their responses to detect any 10. . Spooner: How long would that take? Susan: About three weeks. Spooner: Okay, you go and get started.
4.1 Answer the question: why are there no humans in robot factory?aperta
Soluzione suggerita:Because robots are programmed to build robots: robots have replaced human workers.
4.2 Answer the question: how does Susan know that there is an extra robot?aperta
Soluzione suggerita:Because the daily capacity is 1,000 but there are 1,001 robots in the plant.
4.3 Answer the question: what does it mean that those robots are just hardware?aperta
Soluzione suggerita:It means they haven’t been programmed yet, they only have the mechanical and electrical components.
4.4 Answer the question: how will Susan find anomalies?aperta
Soluzione suggerita:She will interview each robot and cross-reference their responses.
5. Read the text and fill in the gaps with the words given below.
Mechatronics, Robotics, and AI Mechatronics is a field that blends mechanical engineering, electronics, computer 1. , and control engineering. The goal? To create 2. that are smarter, more efficient, and more capable of solving complex 3. in automation. Robotics is all about designing, building, and 4. robots to perform tasks, often autonomously. It aims to merge machine learning and artificial 5. , and create machines that can think and act independently of direct control. Using AI, robotics is set apart from other 6. areas. Self-learning AI programs act as the brains of the 7. , using algorithms to deduce reasonable solutions based on a situation and the factors presented to them. So, what is the difference between mechatronics and robotics? The main difference lies in their focus: mechatronics is aimed at creating intelligent machines, while robotics focuses on designing and operating robots that can perform 8. autonomously or with minimal human input.