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Some Japanese companies are producing robots for use in the home as companions. We would like to introduce three models that are more or less affordable.

Kirobo Mini, a small robot for use in home

Japanese carmaker Toyota sells the Kirobo Mini, a small robot designed for cuteness. So far, the robot can only understand Japanese. But it can respond when spoken to and can ask some questions. If you talk with Kirobo, it can remember the content of a discussion. In this way, the robot can get “smarter” and will be able to “grow up” over time. The robot is small—only 10 centimetres tall and its price is $350.

Aibo, a robotic dog

Sony is the Japanese maker, now, producing a robotic dog called Aibo. The Aibo is about 30 centimetres long and has natural looking eyes. It is also very cute. The eyes have a camera, so you can take a picture while playing with Aibo. The robotic dog can respond to a pink ball and plastic bone like real dogs. Sony is considering overseas sales but has not decided yet. However, Aibo is much more costly with a price of about $1,800.

 Qoobo, cushion with a tail

Qoobo looks more like a cushion than a robot. Yukai Engineering in Tokyo makes Qoobo which has no face or legs. The robot only has a body and a tail. However, the company says the cushion can wave its tail slowly as a response to caresses and tapping. Qoobo is the biggest of the robots—at 33 centimetres in length. It is now available to order in Japan and the United States and is expected to be sent out later this year. Qoobo is the least costly of these robots at $90, but it does not have the ability to “learn” from its surroundings.

21£®In which section of the newspaper does this passage belong to?

A£®Economy.      B£®Science and Technology.

C£®Entertainment.  D£®Education.

22£®How can we arrange the order of the robots in length?

A£®Kirobo Mini, Aibo, Qoobo.  B£®Qoobo, Kirobo Mini, Aibo.

C£®Aibo, Kirobo Mini, Qoobo.  D£®Kirobo Mini, Qoobo, Aibo.

23£®Which of the following statements is true?

A£®Kirobo Mini can respond to a plastic bone like real dogs.

B£®Qoobo is already on sale in the United States.

C£®Kirobo Mini can really grow up over time.

D£®Aibo is the most expensive among the three.