Expository

Text

What About

What About Robots? BY YVONNE MORRIN

BY Y VO N N E M O R R I N

PAIRED
No Substitute
READ
 STRATEGIES & SKILLS
Comprehension Content Standards
Strategy: Reread Science
Skill: Author’s Point of View Technology

Vocabulary
access, advancing, analysis,
cite, counterpoint, data,
drawbacks, reasoning

Word Count: 1,750**

Photography Credit: Cover (bkgd) Chris Knapton/Digital Vision/Getty Images, (c) Feature China/
Barcroft Media/Getty Images
**The total word count is based on words in the running text and headings only. Numerals and words in
captions, labels, diagrams, charts, and sidebars are not included.

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10 11 12 13 14 DOC 22 21 20 19 18 F
 Genre Expository Text

Essential Question
What are the positive and negative effects
of new technology?

What About

BY Y VO N N E M O R R I N

Table of Contents

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Chapter 1
What Is a Robot? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Chapter 2
Robots at Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
(bkgd) Chris Knapton/Digital Vision/Getty Images, (l) Stockdisc/PunchStock/Getty Images

Chapter 3
New Uses for Robots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Respond to Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

PAIRED
READ
No Substitute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
STEM Focus on Science . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

science | technology | engineering | math

Introduction

We use technology every day. We have machines to

transport us and to wash our clothes. Other machines
keep our food fresh, help us communicate, and
entertain us. Our lives would be very different if we
didn’t have technology!

Technology is advancing all the time. Some people

are excited about these changes. Others are worried
about them. Can you think of some of the positive
effects of new technology? What about some possible
negative effects? What is your reasoning?

Ryan McVay/Photodisc/Getty Images

2
 One area of technology that is advancing rapidly
is robotics . There are millions of robots in the world .
Most do jobs that are considered too dangerous or
too boring for humans. Many people think robots are
useful to society. Others believe that people might
(bkgd) Chris Knapton/Digital Vision/Getty Images, (bl) Ingram Publishing/Alamy, (br) Stockbyte/Punchstock, (inset) Glow Images

become too dependent on robots or that robots might

take their jobs. Imagine being replaced by a robot!

Before forming an opinion about robotics, it is

important to look at the facts. Then you can weigh
the advantages and the disadvantages. This helps you
to make thoughtful conclusions. It also allows you
to cite evidence that backs up your reasoning and
supports your opinion.

Technology affects many

areas of our lives.

3
CHAPTER 1 CHAPTER 1 WHAT IS A ROBOT?
What Is a Robot?

The word robot comes

from the Czech word robota,
which means “forced labor.” Robots come in many
shapes and sizes.
There are many definitions
of what a robot is. One
definition is that a robot
is a machine that operates
automatically in place of a
human to complete a task.
This definition would fit a
washing machine.

A washing machine
carries out the task of
washing clothes. It takes
the place of a human
washing the clothes by hand.
Yet most people would not
consider a washing machine
to be a robot.
Feature China/Barcroft Media/Getty Images

4
 A better definition is that a robot is
a machine that uses information from its
surroundings to make decisions about what to
(bkgd) Chris Knapton/Digital Vision/Getty Images, (t) Stockdisc/PunchStock/Getty Images

do. The machine interacts with its environment

to achieve a goal.

This kind of robot acts as if it has

intelligence. It has equipment, such as cameras
or microphones, to take in information. A
computer responds to the information and
makes decisions. Then the mechanical parts
of the robot pick up and move objects to
complete a task.

5
Robots Through History

Between 1700 and 1900, a number of inventors

created life-sized mechanical people and animals.
These inventions had moving parts and were called
automatons . Some automatons could play musical
instruments and draw pictures. However, automatons
do not process information about their environments.
As a result, they are not considered true robots.

The first machine that was able to make decisions

was built in 1911. It played chess against humans. It
used electrical sensors to figure out where the chess
pieces were on the board. Then it moved a mechanical
arm to take its turn.

In 1739, a French engineer

made an automaton called
the Digesting Duck.
Photo 12 Collection/Alamy Stock Photo

6
 FICTIONAL ROBOTS

Long before real robots were invented, science fiction

stories set in the future included robots. Some of
the movies of the 1920s and 1930s showed robots
plotting to take over Earth! Later, when robots came
to television in the 1950s and 1960s, they were often
shown as helpful companions.

Then, in the mid-twentieth century, computer

technology developed to the point where machines
could be controlled by artificial brains . These were the
first true robots.

The first machine that was able to move freely and

interact with its environment was made in the 1940s.
It rolled around on three wheels. This machine could
make decisions about how to avoid objects. It moved
so slowly that it was called Elsie the Tortoise.
Chris Knapton/Digital Vision/Getty Images

7
CHAPTER 2 CHAPTER 2 ROBOTS AT WORK
Robots at Work

These robots are

assembling cars on
a production line.

The first robot designed to work in a factory had

a heavy lifting arm. Its movements were controlled
by electronics. It could be programmed to perform
different actions. In 1961, the robot was used in a
factory that built cars. It lifted metal parts that were
too hot for humans to handle.

Robots began to be used in American factories in

the 1960s and 1970s. Although robots are expensive,
they can save a company money over time. That’s
because they:

• can often do jobs faster and more accurately

than a human can;

• don’t get tired and make mistakes;

Glow Images

• don’t get bored of doing the same task over

and over again.
8
 These robots changed factory VIEWPOINTS
work. However, some people ROBOTS IN THE
WORKPLACE
worried that robots would take
people’s jobs. They also worried
“I think having
about safety. In 1988, some
robots at work
incorrectly programmed robots is a good idea.
began smashing windows and They can do all
painting each other! the dangerous
jobs.”
Although industrial robots first
appeared in the United States,
most were manufactured in
Japan and Europe by the 1980s. “If we start
Japan has an aging population. using robots
instead of
People were concerned that there
humans at
would not be enough young work, will I lose
workers. They thought robots my job and be
would be needed in the future. replaced by a
machine?”

INDUSTRIAL
ROBOT LOCATIONS
Asia leads the world in robot use. What do you
Other (4%) think? Is it a
good idea to
North/South have robots in
Chris Knapton/Digital Vision/Getty Images

America (14%)
the workplace?

Asia/Australia (61%)
Europe (21%)

9
Too Dangerous for Humans!

Robots are very useful when it comes to dangerous

jobs. They can be used to clean up chemical spills
and toxic waste in nuclear plants. Robots can even
defuse bombs.

Robots can also be used when there is a disaster,

such as an earthquake. This can be a dangerous
situation. There may be fires or gas leaks, or damaged
walls could collapse. The rescuers who search for
survivors put their own lives at risk. That’s why robotic
scouts were developed. These robots perform searches
and make rescuing survivors safer.

Kyodo News/Getty Images

Robots were
sent into the
Fukushima nuclear
plant to assess
the damage after
the tsunami in
March 2011.

10
 Robotic scouts can access dangerous areas while
carrying cameras and gas detectors, which send
important information back to the rescuers. These data
help the rescuers with their analysis of the situation.
Robots can carry food, medicine, air tanks, and two-
way radios to trapped survivors. Some robots are even
designed to drag survivors out of wreckage.

Space is another risky environment for humans.

Engineers have developed a robotic astronaut. This
robot can roll over the surface of planets exploring
the terrain and then pick up samples with its hands.
Unlike a human, the robot doesn’t need to breathe,
eat, or keep warm.
(bkgd) Chris Knapton/Digital Vision/Getty Images, (bc) Joe Bibby/NASA

This robotic
astronaut is
connected to
a vehicle called
a rover.

11
 CHAPTER 3 NEW USES FOR ROBOTS
CHAPTER 3
New Uses for Robots

Even if a human doctor is miles

away, he or she can still check
on patients by using a robot.

As scientists develop more advanced technology,

they find new uses for robots.

Robots in Hospitals

Many hospitals now use robots to help care for

patients. Robots can deliver food or dispense medicine.
Using robots reduces the risk of disease being spread
to staff members. It also frees up nurses to perform
other jobs.

However, there are drawbacks to using robots for

patient care. Some people are frightened of them.
Others don’t trust them not to make errors. Many
patients feel more comfortable interacting with another
human rather than with a machine.
©InTouch Health

12
 SURGICAL ROBOT VIEWPOINTS
OPERATIONS ROBOTIC NURSING
ASSISTANTS
The number of operations performed
by one brand of surgical robot has Japan has a large
been growing. For example, this elderly population.
graph shows the increase from Some people
2005 to 2010. Growth has continued
like the idea of
through the years.
robotic nursing
300,000 assistants, but
Number of Operations

250,000 others don’t.

200,000
150,000 “I don’t like
100,000 having a robot
50,000 deliver my pills.
0 I don’t trust the
05 06 07 08 09 10 robot to get it
Year
right. I’m lonely,
and I want to talk
Surgical robots are becoming to a real person.”
more popular. Human surgeons
control these robots. The robots
are used to perform complex
“It’s good that
operations. Robots have been
the robots deliver
used for heart operations, brain my meals. It
surgery, and kidney transplants. means nurses
can spend more
A surgical robot can be time with the
more precise than a human people who need
attention.”
surgeon. Without big hands and
Chris Knapton/Digital Vision/Getty Images

fingers, the robot can make

smaller cuts in patients. As a What do you
result, the cuts heal faster. think? Would you
like a robot as
your nurse?

13
VIEWPOINTS Friend of the
FRIEND OR FOE? Environment?

Many people are wary of

“Robots might
society’s increasing use of
be able to solve
almost all of our robots. They feel that robots
environmental are environmentally unfriendly.
problems. We They say that robots are made
should spend
out of materials that need
more money on
developing new to be mined, and mining can
robots to clean up damage the environment.
the environment.”
People also argue that
factories that make robots use

Design Pics/Kristy-Anne Glubish

up resources, such as fuel and
“Until we can water. Throwing away outdated
produce robots technology from robots can
in a more
also harm the environment.
environmentally
friendly way,
we shouldn’t
produce more.
Spend money
on preventing
environmental
problems first.”

Computers contain
What do you poisonous chemicals. If
think? Are robots these chemicals are not
good or bad for disposed of carefully, they
can harm the environment.
the environment?

14
 This robot floats on the surface
of the ocean and cleans up oil
that is harmful to marine life.

However, the counterpoint is that robots can

be very helpful to the environment. Engineers are
inventing robots that can be used to check the health
of the environment and clean up pollutants. Some
robots even use eco-friendly solar panels to collect
energy from the sun.

The future might be full of robots helping to

improve the environment. Already people have
designed robots that can sort plastic for recycling,
plant trees, and filter pollution out of the air.
(bkgd) Chris Knapton/Digital Vision/Getty Images, (ct) Andrea Frank/MIT

15
Learning from Animals

What is intelligence? Some people think intelligence

means being good at analyzing data or solving
puzzles. Others believe intelligence means being able
to make decisions in response to the environment.

Animals are very good at surviving in their

environments. Many engineers are now turning to
animals for ideas for robots.

The rat-robot has touch sensors in its whiskers,

cameras in its eye sockets, and microphones in its
ears. The inventor says,
“We want to make robots
that are able to look
after themselves.” The rat-
robot can be used in dark,
smoke-filled rooms, or even
underground.

There are robots that

have many legs so that
they can walk over rough
ground the way a spider
does. Others can hover like
a hummingbird.
Pierre Verdy/AFP/Getty Images

The rat-robot is small

enough to fit into places
humans can’t easily go.

16
 Conclusion

Some people don’t like robots that

look too human, so companies
make different styles of robots.

In the future, inventors will come up with new uses

for robots. Robots will more often care for the sick,
(bkgd) Chris Knapton/Digital Vision/Getty Images, (tl) Kyodo/Newscom, (tr) Yoshikazu Tsuno/AFP/Getty Images

solve environmental problems, help in disasters, and

make workplaces safer. As a result, many people will
develop positive opinions about the work robots do.

However, there will still be people who don’t

approve of robots. They might fear that people will
start to rely on robots too much or lose important
skills. Others might feel uncomfortable around robots
and prefer another person to a machine.

When companies design new robots, they will have

to consider all of these opinions in order to make
robots that people will be willing to use.

17
 Respond to
Reading
Summarize Author’s
Details Point of
Use details from the text to View

summarize the positive and negative

effects of robots. Your graphic
organizer may help you.

Text Evidence
1.   What features of What About Robots? tell you it is an
expository text? GENRE

2. What point of view does the author reveal in Chapter

3 of What About Robots? What details from the text
support this? AUTHOR’S POINT OF VIEW

3. The Greek prefix auto- means “self” or “same.” Using

this and context clues, figure out the meaning of
automatically on page 4. Then find another word in
the text that has this prefix and explain its meaning. 
GREEK AND LATIN PREFIXES

4. Write about the author’s position on robots. Do you

think the author is pro-robot or anti-robot? Use details
from the text in your answer. WRITE ABOUT READING

18
 Genre Persuasive Article

Compare Texts
Read an argument against using robots.

NoPaired Read: No Substitute

Substitute
Some people say that in the
future, every home will have a
robot. Many people think this will
be a wonderful change. They say it
will free up time for busy people
and make their lives better. In this
essay, I hope to persuade you that
a robot in every home would be a
terrible thing.

People who rely on a machine This robot was

to do household chores will become designed to help
around the house.
lazy. Children who don’t have to
help at home might never learn
the value of hard work. By not
taking responsibility for messes they
YOSHIKAZU TSUNO/AFP/Getty Images

make, humans might stop taking

responsibility for their actions.

19
 Several companies in Japan and Korea have developed
child-care robots. But parents or other human caregivers
have a responsibility to raise children. They must
teach their children how to behave. This is not
something a robot can do because robots
aren’t capable of feeling emotions.

Robots can’t interact with children

the way people do. They can’t show
compassion, sympathy, or love.
Children raised by a robot might
not fully develop their emotions.

Javier Pierini/Stone/Getty Images

Would you
want a robot
to take care
of your little
brother
or sister?

20
 There are safety issues too. Robots can only do what
they are programmed to do. This means that a robot
could do something dangerous if something unexpected
happened. In an emergency, the robot might not respond
at all if it were not programmed to deal with the problem.

What if something went wrong while a robot was in

charge? Would it be the fault of the robot, the robot’s
programmer, the robot’s user, or the robot’s owner?

Finally, what would happen to the human workers the

robots replaced? Many people work as house cleaners,
babysitters, or nurse companions. If robots took over this
work, many people would lose their jobs.

For all of these reasons, it is clear that a robot in

every home is not a good idea.

Make Connections
What does No Substitute identify as the negative
effects of using robots? ESSENTIAL QUESTION
After reading both texts, what is your point of view
about robots? TEXT TO TEXT

21
 Glossary
artificial (ahr-tuh-FISH-uhl) not natural; made by humans
(page 7)

automatons (aw-TOM-uh-tonz) machines that follow a

set of instructions; some look like humans or animals
(page 6)

compassion (kuhm-PASH-uhn) a deep feeling of

sympathy for someone else and a strong desire to
help (page 20)

defuse (dee-FYEWZ) remove the fuse from a bomb so

that it can’t explode (page 10)

electronics (i-lek-TRON-iks) electrical circuits, devices, and

equipment (page 8)

manufactured (man-yuh-FAK-chuhrd) made or produced

(page 9)

pollutants (puh-LEW-tuhnts) things that are harmful to

the environment (page 15)

resources (REE-sawrs-iz) things that are useful to

humans; for example, water, fuel, and food (page 14)

robotics (roh-BOT-iks) the branch of technology that deals

with how robots are designed, built, and used (page 3)

sensors (SEN-suhrz) devices that can detect things, such

as movement or light (page 6)

terrain (tuh-RAYN) the sur face of the land (page 11)

toxic (TOK-sik) poisonous (page 10)

wary (WAYR-ee) cautious (page 14)

22
Index
conclusions, 3
early robots
– chess and, 6
– Digesting Duck, 6
– Elsie the Tortoise, 7
robotic astronauts, 11
robotic scouts, 10, 11
robots
– dangerous jobs and, 3, 10, 11
– definitions, 4, 5
– designed like animals, 16
– environmental issues and, 14, 15
– homes and, 19–21
– hospitals and, 12, 13
– industry and, 8, 9
– replacing traditional jobs, 9, 21

23
 Focus on
Science
Purpose To explore what robots can and cannot do

Procedure
Step 1 Use the Internet to research current developments in
robotics and learn more about what robots can and
cannot do.

Step 2 Make a two-column chart labeled “Can” and

“Cannot.” As you learn more about robots, record
what they can and cannot do on your chart.

Step 3 Now make a chart for humans and record some of

the things that humans can and cannot do.

Step 4 After conducting your research, what is your opinion

about robots versus humans? Use information from
your charts to create a poster, a slide presentation,
or a skit that compares robots with humans. Make
sure you clearly show your point of view.

Conclusion Do you think the use of robots will become

more common, less common, or stay about the same as it is
now? Why?

24
 Literature Circles
Nonfiction

Thinkmark
Literature Circles Nonfiction Thinkmark

Text Structure
How does the author organize information
in What About Robots?
How does the author support her arguments
against robots in No Substitute?

Vocabulary
What new words did you learn in What About
Robots? What helped you understand their
meanings?

Conclusions
What conclusions can you draw about the
author’s point of view in What About Robots?

Author’s Purpose
Why do you think the author wrote
No Substitute?

Make Connections
What other kinds of robots do you know about
or have experience with?
 New Technology Science

GR S • Benchmark 50 • Lexile 840

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