Human-Machine Interaction and Collective Cognition

Since the early days of technological advancement, humans have developed tools and machines that ease the burden of tasks which are either dangerous or monotonous. These inventions have steadily evolved into complex robotic systems capable of performing actions that range from simple mechanical movements to intricate operations that require precision. The field of robotics has gradually expanded, becoming an integral part of various industries and aspects of daily life.

Paragraph A:

In the current era, robots have become an essential part of human life, often unnoticed in their operations. Automated systems are used in industries where assembly lines depend on robotic arms for precision and efficiency. In banking, automated teller machines (ATMs) perform transactions with standard polite responses. Robots also control subway systems, ensuring the timely operation of trains, while automated digging machines excavate mine shafts with precision. These developments align with the vision set forth by Karel Čapek, the Czech playwright who coined the term ‘robot’ in the 1920s. As robotics progresses, the experimental phase quickly transforms into practical applications.

Paragraph B:

Advances in the miniaturization of electronics and mechanical systems have allowed robots to perform tasks that surpass human capabilities. For example, robotic systems are now used in complex surgeries, including brain and bone operations, where precision is vital. These systems operate with submillimeter accuracy, beyond what human hands can achieve. Additionally, robots enable humans to perform tasks remotely, minimizing exposure to hazardous environments. In 1994, NASA deployed the robotic explorer Dante to traverse an Alaskan volcano. Controlled remotely from thousands of miles away, Dante's mission was a significant step toward making dangerous explorations safer for humans.

Paragraph C:

However, the development of fully autonomous robots, capable of functioning with little to no human oversight, remains a challenge. While robots can be programmed to handle specific scenarios, they lack the common sense required to navigate a dynamic, unpredictable environment. Early predictions in the 1960s and 1970s anticipated that artificial intelligence (AI) would reach human-like cognition by the 21st century. Yet, these forecasts have since been pushed back by several decades. The complexity of human perception and the functioning of the human brain far exceed what current robotic systems can replicate.

Paragraph D:

The human brain, consisting of approximately 100 billion neurons, continues to baffle scientists. Unlike robots, the brain can process a rapidly changing environment, identifying and disregarding irrelevant details in a fraction of a second. For instance, when driving through a forest, the human brain instantly recognizes a woodchuck on the side of the road, filtering out unimportant visual information. Replicating such cognitive capabilities in robots has proven to be a far greater challenge than anticipated. Even with advanced robotics and AI, scientists have not yet come close to achieving the human brain's level of perception and judgment.

Paragraph E:

Despite the difficulties, researchers are making progress by exploring alternative methods to enhance robotic intelligence. Neural networks, a type of AI modeled after the human brain, have shown promise. Unlike traditional electronic circuits, which follow a linear, logical progression, neural networks function in a more ad hoc manner, similar to how neurons in the brain operate. These systems can learn and adapt by reinforcing successful pathways and eliminating erroneous ones. Over time, neural networks can evolve to recognize patterns and make decisions without the need for constant programming.>> Form đăng kí giải đề thi thật IELTS 4 kĩ năng kèm bài giải bộ đề 100 đề PART 2 IELTS SPEAKING quý đang thi (update hàng tuần) từ IELTS TUTOR

Paragraph F:

In addition to improving robotic intelligence, scientists are working to make robots more relatable to humans. This is especially significant in Japan, where an aging population requires innovative solutions to assist the elderly. Researchers at the Science University of Tokyo have developed a "face robot" prototype designed to interact with humans in a more natural way. This robot, equipped with a video camera embedded in its head, reads human emotions by analyzing facial expressions. By comparing a person's expressions with a database of common emotions, the robot can adjust its own facial features to mirror the appropriate emotional response. This approach aims to create robots that are not only functional but also emotionally intuitive, fostering a more comfortable relationship between humans and machines.

Paragraph G:

While some researchers focus on mimicking human intelligence, others are taking a different approach. Rather than attempting to replicate the cognitive abilities of a single brain, they are exploring the potential of collective intelligence. By using swarms of semi-autonomous robots, similar to how ant colonies and beehives function, engineers hope to create a system where the collective effort of many robots exceeds the capabilities of any single unit. These robot swarms could be deployed in a variety of settings, such as space exploration or industrial inspections, where a group effort is more effective than individual autonomy.

Questions 1–6

Reading Passage has seven paragraphs (A–G).
From the list of headings below, choose the most suitable heading for each paragraph. Write the appropriate numbers (i–ix) in boxes 1–6 on your answer sheet.

List of Headings:

i. The interrelation between human perception and robot cognition
ii. Balancing technological advancement with ethical considerations
iii. Robotics in hazardous exploration: Removing human presence
iv. Historical achievements versus current achievements in robotics
v. The challenge of creating autonomous robots with common sense
vi. Robotics as an essential aspect of human life
vii. Cooperative intelligence in robotic swarms: Beyond human capabilities
viii. Bridging the emotional gap between humans and robots
ix. Robotics in industries: Progressing from experimental to practical use

Example:
Paragraph G: vii

Questions 7–11

Do the following statements agree with the information given in the Reading Passage?
Write:

• YES if the statement agrees with the information
• NO if the statement contradicts the information
• NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this

1. The term 'robot' was initially intended to describe machines capable of autonomous decision-making.
2. Some neural networks have shown the ability to learn from their mistakes without human intervention.
3. Robots will likely surpass human cognitive abilities in the near future.
4. Remote-controlled robotic systems are currently being utilized in hazardous zones to protect human lives.
5. Collective intelligence among swarms of robots is currently more efficient than individual autonomous robots.

Questions 12–14

Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D, for the following questions based on the Reading Passage.

12. According to the passage, what has been one of the most challenging aspects of AI development?
A. Mimicking human intelligence in decision-making
B. Achieving common sense in robots
C. Developing emotional recognition systems
D. Integrating autonomous systems into daily life

3. What do researchers believe is a potential solution for future hazardous explorations?

A. Larger, more intelligent robotic systems B. A combination of AI and remote human control C. Swarms of smaller, self-managing robots working collectively D. Self-learning robots with enhanced perception

14. Why is Japan particularly interested in developing robots with human-like capabilities?

A. To improve industrial efficiency B. To assist its aging population C. To demonstrate overwhelming technological superiority D. To develop robots for space exploration

Questions 1-6

From the list of headings below, choose the most suitable heading for each paragraph:

1. Paragraph A: x - "Robotics in industries: Progressing from experimental to practical use"
2. Paragraph B: vi - "Human limitations surpassed through robotics-assisted operations"
3. Paragraph C: v - "The challenge of creating autonomous robots with common sense"
4. Paragraph D: i"The interrelation between human perception and robot cognition"
5. Paragraph E: iv - "Historical expectations vs. current achievements in robotics"
6. Paragraph F: viii - "Bridging the emotional gap between humans and robots"

Questions 7-11

Do the following statements agree with the information given in the Reading Passage?

1. NO The term 'robot' was not initially intended to describe machines capable of autonomous decision-making. It originally referred to machines or mechanisms for labor.>> IELTS  TUTOR  hướng  dẫn PHÂN TÍCH ĐỀ THI 30/5/2020 IELTS WRITING TASK 2 (kèm bài sửa HS đạt 6.5)
2. YES Some neural networks have shown the ability to learn from their mistakes without human intervention.
3. NO The passage suggests that robots will not surpass human cognitive abilities in the near future.
4. YES 
5.  Remote-controlled robotic systems are currently being utilized in hazardous zones to protect human lives.
6. NOT GIVEN - The passage discusses the potential of collective intelligence, but does not confirm if it is currently more efficient than individual autonomous robots.

Questions 12-14

Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D, for the following questions based on the Reading Passage:

1. B - The most challenging aspect of AI development has been achieving common sense in robots.
2. C - Researchers believe that swarms of smaller robots working collectively are a potential solution for future hazardous explorations.
3. B - Japan is particularly interested in developing robots with human-like emotional capabilities to assist its aging population.