70 Robots, androids, Al Robots and automata A robot is a computer-programmed machine that performs actions, manipulates objects, etc. in a precise and, in many cases, repetitive way. Robots may be automata, or man-like machines, whose basic components are similar to a human body. Joints, oe computer @ They have mechanical links, joints, which connect their movable jeter parts @ Their heart and muscles are the electric or pneumatic motors or systems, the actuators, which create the movement. @ Robots also have hands, usually tools or grippers, called end effectors. @ They may be equipped with cameras or infrared controls, sensors, which transmic information to the central system in order to locate objects or adjust movements. @ Finally, robots depend on a computer system, the brain that directs the actions. end effectors Uses for robots The word robot comes from robota, meaning compulsory labour in Czech; similarly, robots are helpful in activities which are too dangerous, too boring or too precise for human beings. Robotic arms, telescopic or bending arms, are widely used in the automobile industry to paint, weld and assemble car parts. Robots are also used in electronic assembly of microchips where precision of movements is essential. Planetary rovers, remotely-operated vehicles, and space probes, unpiloted spaceships, are used to explore space. Surgical robots, which help human surgeons, are programmed to assist in very delicate microsurgery operations or mimic the surgeons’ movements in telesurgery operations. Mobile robots, vehicles controlled by human operators, are used for defusing bombs and handling hazardous materials. Robotie arms are ‘common in industry Artificial Intelligence Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the science that tries to recreate the human thought process and build machines that perform tasks that normally require human intelligence. It has several applications. Antica Intelligence? Androids are anthropomorphic robots designed to look and behave like a human being. Most androids can walk, talk and understand human speech. Some react to gestures and voice inflection. Some ‘learn’ from the environment: they store information and adapr their behaviour according to a previous experience. Expert systems is the term given to computer software that mimics human reasoning, by using a set of rules to analyze data and reach conclusions. Some expert systems help doctors diagnose illnesses based on symptoms. Neural networks are a new concept in computer programming, designed to replicate the human ability to handle ambiguity by learning from trial and error. ‘They use silicon neurons to imitate the functions of brain cells and usually involve a great number of processors working at the same time. ‘An android and a human being: can you tell one from the other? Professional English in Use ICT30.1 Complete the article with words from A opposite. ACTION ROBOT TO COPY HUMAN BRAIN Scientists at Aberystwyth University are working on a machine which they hope will recognize objects with cameras that will work as (1) , and retrieve objects with an arm that will be its (2) Although the arm will have (3) that will link its muscles and an electric motor that will be the (4) this new (5) ‘won't move like a human, ie it won't be like the (6) of science-fiction films: forget Star Wa SPO. It will be desk based: no walking, or climbing stairs. The team hopes to discover how the brain performs ‘multi-tasking’ and to use that information to develop the (7) to create a robot that can think for itselt 30.3. Complete the extracts with words from C opposite. The term (1) 6 o. is defned as ‘are made of a5 the automation of inteligent nits that resemble neurons oun a eaieaes behaviour, but can (2) They ore often used to simulate based systems, mieror really be brain activity and are effective We posers Inteligent? at predicting events ‘expert’ though Make a list of other uses of robots at home and at work. Professional English in Use ICT 1m= Intelligent homes Domoties Domotics, from the Latin word domus plus robotics, also known as automation, involves the use of information technology applied to domestic appliances in order to create intelligent systems inside the house. Basic intelligent devices, traditional devices with an embedded processor, have been with us for a while, e.g. microwave ovens and washing machines with computerized controls. Intelligent homes are a wider concept: all the systems and devices are connected in a LAN, local area network, where they communicate with each other and are controlled by a central computer sometimes installed in one of the machines, HED contro! devices and networking Intelligent homes are controlled with different types of interfaces, devices that facilitate communication between the user and the system: physical switches, touch screens, IR {infrared) remote controls, computers either at home or at a distance, telephony. \ The different elements perform one of these two functions: they are either command i initiators, e.g. a brightness sensor that is programmed to send an instruction when it | gets dark, or command receivers, e.g. a light | that turns on when it receives an instruction sent by the sensor. Household appliances, sound and video systems, optical and thermal sensors, ete. can be ! linked with wired and wireless systems. Wired LANs use different types of cables and also electrical wiring. | WLANs, witeless networks, use radio-frequency systems: Bluetooth, a short-range radio system used to communicate between portable deviees (laptops, PDAs, mobile phones, etc.}, is now frequently used to design PANs (personal area networks) inside the home. HES sutomatic operations Intelligent systems are able to perform a series of activities to improve these areas. © Tum on and off alarm systems and phone emergency services if needed Security {Open and close dors and gates, binds or curtains Safety © Control heat and smoke sensors © Control heating, air conditioning and electricity ® Detect motion and switch on and off lights accordingly {@ Switch on and off hi-fi sets and home cinema; select music and programs Comfort and @ Have everything ready when you wake up: the bath running, the electric kettle on, the economy news headlines on your compute, ete Keep list ofthe products in the fridge, make an order to a supermarket and suggest recies | Provide inteligent garden watering, £9. only when the soils dry f Assistive technology | @® Raise and lower motorized cupboards and sinks for people with mobility problems 2 Professional English in Use ICT Pa eG31.1. Solve the clues and complete the puzzle with words from A and B opposite. rm Across fF 3 A wireless standard used for PANs. 6 Touch screens, remote control and computers are different types of 7 The adjective which describes networks without cables. 9A smoke sensor is an example of a command Down 1 The automatic operation of a system or process. 2 The term domotics comes from domus and 4 The adjective used to describe homes and devices that use IT technology. 5 A light switch can be used as a command 7 LANs where the devices are connected with cables or electrical wiring are 8 Personal Area Network. 31.2 Read the text and answer the questions below. ‘Smart’ homes not far away automatically tun off the water at the mains and alert you chat a plumber may need calling. | Piceue this scenario itis Friday night inthe middle | of winter and you are driving to your holiday home | in the mountains forthe weekend. On your ay there, you send your second residence 2 text message ‘which will activate the heating, othe plce is nice ao pes Your in residence, SMS to mur the lights on and ofa ew ines, ging the impresion to potential burglars tha someone i there You ca abo monitor what is happening inside the howe on your inl phone cameras sie the house will sad rain ages deel 6 your Phone Ir ster stiles andthe washing machine lela while you are not thers your howe 50 lve ha i wl Sounck far-fetched? For one family of four these are the capabilities their home already has. They are living in an Eneo Labs show home outside Barcelona, trying out the company’s smart home concept. Javier Zamora, manager of Eneo Labs, says that in as litee as wo years many of us will be enjoying these features. He explains chat smart homes have two main components: an information nerwork’, which is like a human body$ nervous system in that all devices inside the house are connected to it; and a ‘brain’, which coordinates what is inside che home and connects it to what goes on outside. He says that in the fare the house will rspond to voice commands Adapied from wuncomn.com Which of the areas in C opposite are improved in this ‘smart’ home: security, safety, comfort and economy, assistive technology? Which one is not? 2 What operations is the system able to perform to improve those areas? 3. What interface is used to connect the user to the LAN? What might be used in the future? eee VaR eo ‘Access the Professional English in Use See teu ee dream hom« Ma ae aed Wee a Build your dream bome Professional English in Use ICT