Listening

Warm Up

Helpful Words and Phrases

Listen and repeat.

  1. robotics
    • ex. Many schools now offer robotics to help students learn about machines and computer programming.
  2. humanoid
    • ex. The humanoid robot can walk and talk like a person.
  3. a powerhouse
    • ex. The team is a powerhouse in football and wins many games.
  4. hoist
    • ex. They used a machine to hoist the heavy metal up.
  5. a stroll
    • ex. We went for a stroll in the park after dinner.

Article

Read the article below and answer your tutor's questions.

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Amazon has acquired Fauna Robotics, a small business that recently introduced a humanoid robot named Sprout. The American online shopping company is already a powerhouse in robotics, with over one million robots used in its warehouses. However, Sprout is different, as it is designed to act more like a friendly companion in homes and schools rather than for heavy work.

The 3.5-foot-tall robot can perform simple and fun actions. It can dance, pick up small objects, and even hoist itself from a chair before taking a short stroll. Fauna’s CEO said the company will now operate as part of Amazon, with its team based in New York. Financial details of the deal were not shared.

Sprout was first launched as a platform for researchers studying home robotics, with Disney among its early customers. While Amazon has tried to expand into home robots before, it has faced challenges, including a failed deal to buy iRobot in 2024. With this new move, Amazon hopes to explore new ways to improve everyday life using interactive robots.

This material was based on an article by The Associated Press.
Photo Credits: The Associated Press

Discussion

Choose a topic and discuss the questions with your tutor.

Robotics and Humanoid Robots

  • Sprout, the robot, is designed to act like a friendly companion in homes and schools. What do you think about robots like Sprout that act like friendly companions (ex. scary, interesting)? Discuss.
  • Do you think robots are better for work or for keeping people company? Why? Discuss.
  • In the future, do you think robots will be part of daily life for everyone? Why or why not? Discuss.

Big Companies and Small Businesses

  • What do you think about big companies buying small businesses? Discuss.
  • What problems can happen when a big company buys a smaller one? Discuss.
  • Which do you prefer, working at big companies or small businesses? Why? Discuss.