Sci. 8- Mechanical Systems: Reading Assignment #2

Last updated almost 5 years ago

4 questions

1

FIRST, watch the below video. THEN read the supporting information. FINALLY, answer the questions that relate to the reading.

How does the idea of walking robots being more suitable for treacherous terrain support the idea of scientists training them for a mission to Mars?

Walking robots experiencing falls is causing scientists to spend more money on training them.

The success of the walking robot "dogs" contradicts the decision by scientists to devote time to more training.

Mars is full of rocky, uneven ground so a robot will need to navigate that without falling down to
be successful.

The treacherous terrain is too difficult for humans to navigate, so scientists must send robots instead.

Read the following summary of the article.

"Scientists are experimenting with four-legged robot “dogs” to help them explore more treacherous terrain on Mars. These new robots could recover from falls, access deep caves better, and collect information from new locations by building virtual maps. One such robot of this type called Au- Spot is being trained through different obstacle courses."

Is this an objective and accurate summary? How do you know?

Yes, because it states what the walking robots do and names one such type that is being trained.

Yes, because it describes how common robot falls are when trying to access deep caves.

No, because it only mentions Au-Spot as one example of a robot "dog" when there are others as well.

No, because it does not include how scientists feel about the invention of these new walking robot
"dogs."

Which answer choice accurately characterizes how scientists feel about robot dogs?

They think robot dogs will be able to explore more of Mars than traditional rovers could.

They think robot dogs could potentially be useful, but are a long way from being ready.

They think robot dogs are more likely to fall on treacherous terrain, which could cause damage.

They think robot dogs' AI software could malfunction during an important Mars mission.

Which of these ideas did the author develop the LEAST in this article about using walking robots on Mars?

why scientists like walking robots better than traditional rovers

what technology walking robots use

how AGU meeting attendees responded to the robots

where walking robots can go

How does the idea of walking robots being more suitable for treacherous terrain support the idea of scientists training them for a mission to Mars?

Walking robots experiencing falls is causing scientists to spend more money on training them.

The success of the walking robot "dogs" contradicts the decision by scientists to devote time to more training.

Mars is full of rocky, uneven ground so a robot will need to navigate that without falling down to
be successful.

The treacherous terrain is too difficult for humans to navigate, so scientists must send robots instead.

Read the following summary of the article.

"Scientists are experimenting with four-legged robot “dogs” to help them explore more treacherous terrain on Mars. These new robots could recover from falls, access deep caves better, and collect information from new locations by building virtual maps. One such robot of this type called Au- Spot is being trained through different obstacle courses."

Is this an objective and accurate summary? How do you know?

Yes, because it states what the walking robots do and names one such type that is being trained.

Yes, because it describes how common robot falls are when trying to access deep caves.

No, because it only mentions Au-Spot as one example of a robot "dog" when there are others as well.

No, because it does not include how scientists feel about the invention of these new walking robot
"dogs."

Which answer choice accurately characterizes how scientists feel about robot dogs?

They think robot dogs will be able to explore more of Mars than traditional rovers could.

They think robot dogs could potentially be useful, but are a long way from being ready.

They think robot dogs are more likely to fall on treacherous terrain, which could cause damage.

They think robot dogs' AI software could malfunction during an important Mars mission.

Which of these ideas did the author develop the LEAST in this article about using walking robots on Mars?

why scientists like walking robots better than traditional rovers

what technology walking robots use

how AGU meeting attendees responded to the robots

where walking robots can go