B2 – Upper Intermediate
A technological field that is gaining some traction lately is robotics. Tech companies have taken on the challenge of designing and creating robots that look and behave like humans.
They are supposed to help humans do things for them.
All thanks to the continuous developments in AI, these robots have become smart enough to form meaningful relationships with humans.
People now have their robot therapists to share their secrets with. There are those turn to companion robots to ease feelings of loneliness.
Listen to this audio and read the transcript about robot companions.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2025/ep-250918
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “taken aback” mean, “And I think when people meet her, they’re always taken aback by Abi.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
- What does “to have a mind of its own” mean? “Abi has got a mind of her own.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
- What does “endearing” mean? “So, I was very much trying to replicate the qualities of being approachable and endearing of these different Pixar characters that you’d watch in all of these films.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
Discussion Questions:
- What would you say are the promises and pitfalls of robot companions?
- Generally, what are your thoughts on humanoids? How would you feel about having a companion robot?
- What are your thoughts on humans forming relationships with robots?
- “Elderly residents who regularly chat with Abi say the robot companion brings them joy and a sense of community.” Do you think robots are capable of bringing joy and a sense of community to humans? Share your views.
- What ethical guidelines and international treaties should be put in place before the widespread deployment of humanoids?
- How can companion robots be designed to interact with humans in a way that is beneficial and with the least possible disruption?