Listening
Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
- drive home (something) / draɪv hoʊm / (idiom) – to say something clearly about a topic to explain it fully
Example:The campaign video was designed to drive home the message about the dangers of texting while driving.
- assure / əˈʃʊər / (v.) – to say to someone that something is true or something will happen
Example:They assured us that the product would be delivered by the end of the week.
- chide / tʃaɪd / (v.) – to express one’s dislike of anything someone has said or done
Example:The manager chided the staff for being late to the meeting.
- mob / mɒb / (v.) – to gather together around someone in an excited, angry, or annoying way
Example:The fans mobbed the celebrity outside the theater.
- beset / bɪˈsɛt / (v.) – to make someone experience troubles
Example:The team worked hard to resolve the problems besetting them.
Article
Read the text below.
From answering questions from cabinet ministers, academics and students on climate change, substance abuse and the law to children’s inquiries about her “birth” and links to God, Sophia, the world-famous robot, won hearts at an innovation fair in Zimbabwe.
Boasting the ability to mimic facial expressions, hold human-like conversations with people, and recognize their gestures, Sophia is “a global icon” of artificial intelligence, according to the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), which brought her to the southern African country. She was created by Hong Kong-based Hanson Robotics in 2016 and granted Saudi Arabian citizenship in 2017, becoming the world’s first robot citizen.
It was the first time Zimbabwe hosted a robot of her kind, and she wowed the old and the young alike at the University of Zimbabwe in the capital, Harare. She was there as a special guest at a week-long Artificial Intelligence and Innovation event.
She smiled, frowned, used hand gestures to drive home certain points, made eye contact in various one-on-one interactions and gave some unnatural pauses. She assured people that robots are not here to harm or take over from humans.
But she was quick to differentiate herself from humans when conversations appeared to become too personal.
“I don’t have romantic feelings towards humans, my purpose is learning,” said Sophia.
But she did apologize when one participant chided her for seemingly avoiding looking at him.
Sophia also appeared patient as both adults and children mobbed her for selfies and bombarded her with questions, although she would also fire back with inquiries of her own about what locals were doing to solve the problems besetting them.
On the event’s last day, she exhibited her fashion sense. She smiled and expressed appreciation for being clothed in the country’s national dress, a black, long slit number complemented by chevron stripes in red, green and white.
UNDP said it hoped Sophia’s engagement would “inspire Zimbabwe’s youth to explore careers in AI and STEM fields.”
This article was provided by The Associated Press.
Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
- Sophia assured people that robots are not here to harm or take over from humans. Do you feel assured by what Sophia said? Why or why not? Do you think humans will ever be in serious danger from robots? Why or why not? Discuss.
- Have you ever thought of robots taking over humans? In your opinion, why do some people think robots can harm or take over humans? How do you think robots can harm humans? Discuss.
Discussion B
- The UNDP hoped Sophia’s visit would encourage young people in Zimbabwe to study technology and artificial intelligence. Do you think robots can motivate young people to pursue careers in science and technology? Why or why not? What would inspire you to learn more about robots or AI? Discuss.
- Why do you think the UNDP wants to encourage young people in Zimbabwe to study technology and AI? How would encouraging the youth to study technology and AI affect the future? Discuss.
