Listening
Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
- ultrasound / ˈʌl trəˌsaʊnd / (n.) – a method of producing images of the inside of the body using a machine that produces sound waves
Example:Ultrasound can help find problems inside the body without surgery.
- beam / bim / (v.) – to send out a line of light, heat, energy, etc.
Example:The tower at the airport beams light to help pilots find the correct direction.
- irregularity / ɪˌreɡ jəˈler ə t̬i / (n.) – an example of something that is not regular in shape, pattern, etc.
Example:During the health check, authorities found several irregularities in the restaurant’s food storage procedures.
- gauge / geɪdʒ / (v.) – to judge or measure something, such as quality, size, or amount
Example:You can gauge the freshness of fruits and vegetables more easily by touching and smelling them, not just by looking.
- outfit / ˈaʊtˌfɪt / (n.) – a group, team, company, or organization
Example:A lot of small outfits that closed during the pandemic are open again.
Article
Read the text below.
Seafood lovers know that fatty marbling is what makes tuna sashimi and sushi so tasty, so for the industry, it’s the fish’s level of fattiness that’s used to judge its quality and pricing. Usually, several people assess how fatty a tuna is by cutting the tail with a giant saw-like knife, an operation that takes about 60 seconds per fish.
But now, a machine called Sonofai uses ultrasound waves to do the job in 12 seconds, operated by a person without prior knowledge of how to carve fish.
Fujitsu, the Japanese company behind the technology, invited reporters for a demonstration of Sonofai, a word blended from “sono,” referring to “sound,” “f” for Fujitsu, and “ai,” or artificial intelligence. The name refers to its components but also stands for “son of AI.”
A conveyor belt transports a whole frozen tuna, about a meter (3 feet) in size, into a machine that beams ultrasound waves. Sensors pick up the waves to draw a zigzagging diagram on a screen to indicate the fish’s fattiness. Fatty meat absorbs fewer sound waves than lean meat, and AI sorts real data from misleading “noise,” or irregularities.
Hisashi Ishida, president of Sonofai, the startup behind the technology, who also heads Ishida Tec Co., which makes food-manufacturing equipment, says it’s safer, more sanitary and efficient. “Fatty fish tastes good, feels better on your tongue and is called toro,” he said. “Overseas needs are growing because sushi culture is now appreciated around the world.”
Beef has a grading system for fat and expected flavor, but being able to gauge the quality of tuna is new, according to Hideto Okada, who oversees AI at Fujitsu.
But Sonofai won’t be at your neighborhood sushi chef.
Fish-processing outfits and fishing organizations are the likely buyers. The machine is set to go on sale in June for about 30 million yen ($207,000) each, at first in Japan but expanding to the U.S. and other places later. They’ll also work on future upgrades to test for freshness, firmness and other characteristics of tuna and other fish varieties.
This article was provided by The Associated Press.
Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
- The makers of the Sonofai machine say it is safer, cleaner, and faster than traditional methods for checking tuna. When you eat out or buy food, what’s most important to you: taste, safety, or how it’s prepared? Why? Have you ever avoided a certain food or restaurant because you thought it wasn’t clean or safe? Why or why not? Discuss.
- Do you think machines should replace traditional ways of making or checking food, replacing people who have experience? Why or why not? What are the advantages and disadvantages of using machines in food production? Discuss.
Discussion B
- Tuna’s level of fattiness is used to judge its quality and pricing. Do you think food that tastes better or has better quality should be more expensive? Why or why not? What kinds of food would you be okay with paying more for? Why? Discuss.
- Have you ever tasted something really delicious that was actually quite cheap? Do you think lower-priced food can be just as good? Why or why not? Discuss.
