10.A new robot companion is currently being presented across Europe.It could suit customers'various tastes and needs and could find its way into people's homes within two or three years,potentially greatly enhancing quality of life for older citizens and people with memory or mobility problems.
The robot,a mobile wheeled semi-humanoid figure equipped with cameras,sensors,audio and a touch screen interface,can remind users to take their medicine,suggest they have their favourite drink or encourage them to go for a walk or visit friends if they haven't been out for a while.As part of a larger smart-home environment that can include smart clothing to monitor vital signs,the system can monitor user's health and safety,and contact emergency services if something is wrong.
"Across Europe,populations are growing older,and many people need care in some way.Care may be provided by professionals at home or in a care facility,but often the caregiver is the person's partner or another family member.What we are seeing is that carers may also need additional support themselves,especially if they are also older--our view is that technology can provide it,"explains Mr Herjan of Smart Homes,the Dutch Expertise Centre on Home Automation and Smart Living,which oversaw the robot's development.
By monitoring user's behavior,the robot can learn to approach users at appropriate times,talk to them or provide information via a touchscreen interface.Users can respond by talking back or using the touchscreen."The way the robot behaves,such as what it says and how it says it,can be changed to suit each person,"Mr Herjan says.
The prototype(樣板)robot companion currently cost around EUR 10,000 to build,but that price should fall as technology advances or if they are produced in large numbers.Mr.Herjan thinks a robot companion will cost around EUR 5000 within a couple of years.
21.The robot companion in the passage can help all people,EXCEPTB.
A.old people
B.blind people
C.people with memory problems
D.people who can't move easily
22.What can the robot companion do?D
A.Give users their medicine.
B.Call and visit users'friends.
C.Serve users their favorite drink.
D.Encourage users to go for a walk.
23.What does Mr.Herjan mainly want to convey in the third paragraph?D
A.Caregivers should be professional.
B.Caregivers themselves also need care.
C.There are more and more old people in Europe.
D.The technology of robots can provide help like a caregiver.
24.How can the robot companion learn to approach users at appropriate times?C
A.By using a to uch screen.
B.By directly talking to users.
C.By watching users'behavior.
D.By listening to users'orders.
25.According to the last paragraph,we know thatB.
A.people can spend EUR 10,000 getting a robot companion now
B.the robot companion's price will probably fall as technology advances
C.the robot companion will be produced in large numbers in the near future
D.the cheapest robot companion will cost around EUR 5,000 within a few years.