Humanoid Robots at Hyundai Factories  

B1 – Intermediate 

Hyundai, a South Korean automotive manufacturer, prepares to gradually employ 30,000 humanoid robots in its car factories in the next decade. 

It’s true that many people will lose their jobs, but Hyundai said they will still need people who will train the humanoid robots.

Read the article about humanoid robots at Hyundai car factories.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2601/260112-hyundai-humanoid-robots-4.html

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What is a “subsidiary”? “The humanoids called Atlas are being made by a Hyundai subsidiary.” Use the term in a sentence.
2. What does “amplify” mean? “Hyundai said Atlas would advance human-robot collaboration, and assist in “evolving hardware-driven robotics designed to amplify human potential”.” Use the word in a sentence and give a synonym.
3. What does “convergence” mean? “The robot’s maker said: “The convergence of robotics and AI will make human life safer and more enriching.” Use the word in a sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

1. Share your reaction to this news.
2. What comes to your mind when you hear “humanoid” and why?
3. What are the pros and cons of using humanoids at factories?
4. Are factories in your country using robots more these days? Talk about it.
5. What is your opinion about this, “The convergence of robotics and AI will make human life safer and more enriching.”
6. What do you think about this, “Hyundai acknowledged that people could lose their jobs to Atlas, but some people would be needed to train it.”?