The Economist Technology Quarterly, March 12^th 2005-09-24

Humanoids on the march

Questions

1)      Who is QRIO? Make a portrait of Asimo and Partner : compare what they can do. You will find information on different websites; Make a reference to the websites you visited.

2)      What does the word “robot” mean? Where does it come from?

3)      Domestic robots: what can they do? Why can mundane tasks such as sweeping the floor, be difficult for robots?

4)      Do you agree that they will be as common as cell-phones?

5)      Why is it difficult to make a robot walk and especially walk downstairs and upstairs?

6)      What’s the use of making robots?