Listening

Warm Up

Helpful Words and Phrases

Listen and repeat.

  1. a conference
    • ex. The conference will bring together scientists from many countries.
  2. showcase
    • ex. The company showcased its newest smartphone to investors during the product demonstration.
  3. sophisticated
    • ex. Jane uses a sophisticated computer program to design buildings.
  4. mechanical
    • ex. The workers checked the mechanical parts before using the machine.
  5. a booth
    • ex. Many people stopped by the booth to see the new product.

Article

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

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In August, China opened the 2026 World Robot Conference in Beijing, showing new robots. About 3,000 products were shown during the five-day event. Chinese companies made different kinds of products, including humanoid robots, robot dogs, and machines designed for factory work. The event shows China’s goal of moving robotics from demonstrations into everyday use.

Some robots at the conference performed impressive tasks. Unitree showed humanoid robots boxing, dancing, and playing table tennis with people. UBTECH showcased industrial robots that moved parts as they might in a factory. The company also showed a humanoid robot designed to provide emotional care. It can talk, make facial expressions, and move its neck and hands. The robot is available for sale for more than $24,000 (about ¥3.8 million).

However, despite the increasingly sophisticated demonstrations, experts say many humanoid robots are still better at performing for audiences than doing useful work. Several companies showcased robots with mechanical arms and legs that are meant to help with daily tasks. At one booth, a robot tried to fold a shirt but could not complete the simple job after several minutes.

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.

Booths and Conferences

  • The 2026 World Robot Conference happened in Beijing last August. Given the chance, would you attend this conference? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • If you visited a conference, would you prefer to watch exciting demonstrations or try the products yourself? Why? Discuss.
  • If you had a booth at a robot conference, what kind of robot would you show? Why? Discuss.

Robots

  • Which would you be more interested in: a robot that entertains people or one that helps with everyday household tasks? Why? Discuss.
  • Would you pay more than $24,000 (about ¥3.8 million) for a robot that provides emotional care? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • In the future, do you think robots will become a common sight in your country? Why or why not? Discuss.