After COVID-19, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that while the number of nurses has increased in the past three years, the U.S. still experiences a shortage of registered nurses, and that there will be over one million unfilled nursing jobs. So what’s the solution? Robots.
Japan is ahead of the curve when it comes to this trend (趋势). Toyohashi University of Technology has developed Terapio, a robotic medical cart that can deliver medicines and other items.
Robots can serve as a mediator (中介) for human communication. Telepresence robots such as Vgo, and Giraff can be controlled through a computer, smartphone, or tablet, allowing family members or doctors to remotely check patients. If you can’t get to the nursing home to visit grandma, you can use a telepresence robot to hang out with her.
A robot’s appearance affects its ability to successfully interact (互动) with humans, which is why the Human-Interactive Robot Research decided to develop a robotic nurse that looks like a huge teddy bear. RIBA, also known as “Robear,” can help patients into and out of wheelchairs and beds with its strong arms.
On the less cute and more scary side there is Android F, which has such natural skin and hair color that some patients may not know the difference. This conversational robot companion has cameras in its eyes, which allow it to track patients and use proper facial expressions and body language in its interactions.
It’s important to notice that robotic nurses don’t decide courses of treatment or make diagnoses (诊断). Instead, they perform routine and hard tasks, freeing nurses up to look after patients with immediate needs. This is one industry where it seems the integration of robots will lead to cooperation, not replacement.
8. What does the underlined part in paragraph 2 mean?
A.Taking the lead. | B.Reaching the standard. | C.Setting a record. | D.Missing a turn. |
9. Telepresence robots may serve their right purposes in hospital when
A.they collect medical records for patients | B.they deliver food to clinical doctors |
C.they move the mobility-disabled patients | D.they assist doctors with long-distance diagnoses |
10. What is the special attraction of Android F?
A.Its scary arm strength. | B.Its lovely appearance. |
C.Its human-like voice. | D.Its proper interactive response. |
11. Which of the following statements will the writer probably agree with?
A.Robots serve as a good addition to nurses. |
B.Using robots is the best way to treat patients. |
C.Robots will become the future replacement of nurses. |
D.Robots have caused the earth-shaking change in hospitals |