Reading Comprehension. Robotics and Human-Robot Relationshps (Text and Exercises)

Robotics has advanced significantly, particularly in social robotics, which focuses on creating robots that can recognize and respond to human emotions. Future advancements may lead to deeper human-robot interactions, including potential romantic relationships, raising ethical and social challenges. As robotics and AI evolve, it is crucial to address these implications to ensure they benefit society while respecting human dignity.

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Reading Comprehension. Robotics and Human-Robot Relationshps (Text and Exercises)

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Miguel Bermeo

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Reading Comprehension: Robotics and Human-Robot Relationships

Robotics and Human Relationships: Present and Future

Robotics has significantly advanced in recent decades, integrating into various aspects of
human life. From industrial robots to home assistants, these machines have evolved to
interact more naturally and effectively with people. A growing field is social robotics, which
focuses on developing robots capable of recognizing and responding to human emotions,
facilitating more fluid and natural interactions.

Currently, social robots are used in environments such as nursing homes, where they assist
with daily tasks and provide companionship. For example, researchers at the University of
Málaga are developing a new generation of social assistance robots that can adapt to the
needs of individuals and the context in which they operate.

Looking toward the future, human-robot interactions are expected to deepen, encompassing
social, emotional, and even romantic aspects. With advancements in artificial intelligence
(AI), robots may soon engage in complex conversations, recognize emotional states, and
provide psychological support. AI-powered "therapy bots" are already becoming popular due
to their accessibility and affordability in mental health services.

One controversial topic is the potential for humans to establish romantic and even sexual
relationships with robots. Some experts predict that by 2050, sex robots may become major
players in intimate relationships, possibly replacing human sex workers in places like
Amsterdam. Additionally, with sufficiently advanced AI, a human could theoretically form a
fulfilling romantic relationship with a robotic partner.

However, these possibilities raise ethical and social challenges. The potential for sexual and
emotional relationships with robots, as well as AI’s growing influence on human interactions,
presents a complex and multifaceted scenario. While there is potential for significant
improvements in quality of life and personal relationships, it is crucial to carefully address the
ethical and societal concerns these technologies bring.

In conclusion, robotics and AI are transforming the nature of human relationships. As these
technologies continue to advance, it is essential to consider their ethical and social
implications to ensure their integration benefits society while respecting human dignity.

Comprehension Questions (4 points, 1 point each)

1. What are social robots, and where are they currently being used?
2. What future advancements are expected in human-robot interactions?
3. What predictions exist about romantic and sexual relationships between humans and
robots by 2050?
4. What are some ethical and social challenges associated with human-robot
relationships?
1
Multiple-Choice Exercises (6 points, 1 point each)

Exercise 1: Choose the correct answer.

1. What capability do advanced social robots have?

a) Perform heavy industrial tasks

b) Recognize and respond to human emotions
c) Cook gourmet meals
d) Drive autonomous vehicles

2. Where is a new generation of social assistance robots being developed?

a) University of Barcelona
b) University of Málaga
c) University of Madrid
d) University of Valencia

3. What is the function of "therapy bots"?

a) Provide psychotherapy services

b) Perform medical diagnoses
c) Assist in complex surgeries
d) Offer physical training

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer.

4. According to some experts, what role might sex robots play by 2050?

a) Be a technological curiosity with no real impact

b) Become major players in intimate relationships
c) Replace human partners in all relationships
d) Be banned for ethical reasons

5. What does the possibility of sexual and emotional relationships with robots imply?

a) A technological breakthrough with no ethical concerns

b) A complex scenario with ethical and social challenges
c) A solution to all human relationship problems
d) A temporary trend with no future relevance