When the COVID-19 pandemic made face masks an everyday necessity, Japanese company Donut Robotics took the opportunity and created a smart mask — a high-tech upgrade to standard face coverings, designed to make communication and social distancing easier. Connected to an app, the smart mask can record the information it accepts in a written form, make the wearer’s voice louder, and translate speech into eight different languages.
Donut Robotics first developed the translation software for a robot called Cinnamon — but when the pandemic hit, the robot project was put off. That was when the team’s engineers came up with the idea to use their software in a face mask. Donut Robotics was co-founded by Taisuke no and Takafumi Okabe, aiming to change the world with small and mobile communication robots. They applied the initiative to provide services for visitors at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport. Cinnamon robot — designed to provide tourists with useful information — was one of four translation robot prototypes selected by the project.
But earlier this year, COVID-19 hit Asia and the airport project grounded to a halt. “We were running short of money and wondering how to keep the company going,” says Ono. The team sought a solution and came up with the idea to adapt its software for a product that would sell well in the pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic led to an increase in face mask sales. Seeing an opportunity to make money with their translation technology, Donut Robotics launched a fundraiser on Japanese crowdfunding platform Fundinno in June. They raised $265, 000 in 37 minutes. “It was very surprising,” he says, “because it would usually take three or four months to get that kind of money.”
Ono says the first wave of supply is expected to take place in Japan, with 5,000 to 10,000 masks available by December, priced at $40 to $50 each. Donut Robotics will not expand overseas until April 20.
1. What is special about the smart mask?| A．It can process languages. | B．It uses a loudspeaker. |
| C．It is created for foreigners. | D．It is popular in Japan. |
| A．Launched. | B．Improved. | C．Stopped. | D．Succeeded. |
| A．Japan’s mask export trade. | B．The benefits of the smart mask. |
| C．Production of masks in Japan. | D．The future of the smart mask. |
相似题推荐
【推荐1】What do you think robots are capable of? You might be able to find one that fits your needs at the World Robot Conference(WRC) 2022 in Beijing. Held from Aug 18 to 21, more than 500 robots were on display at the WRC, according to Xinhua. From human-like robots that look surprisingly lively to robots that can make jianbing 24 hours a day, this year’s WRC showed quite a few cutting-edge inventions.
Technology in agriculture
A fruit-picking robot attracted visitors’ attention. With the help of various sensors and an AI system, the robot can collect fruit according to its ripeness, quality and size, according to CCTV. The robot first locates the fruit and then uses sensors to decide whether it is ripe, with a robotic arm picking the fruit gently. The fruit is then categorized, ending up in a basket according to its size. Wu Jiafeng, the exhibitor of the fruit- picking robot, told CCTV that more robotic technology will be used in agriculture in the future, including robots for daily inspection and weeding.
Robots fighting COVID-19
Medical staff conducting nucleic acid tests often find their work toilsome, especially under the summer heat. A nucleic acid test robot developed by Tsinghua University and a Chinese biotech company was presented at the WRC. It looks like a vending machine(自动售卖机), but the robot can collect throat swabs, process samples, as well as produce and upload the results within 45 minutes, according to China Daily. The whole process will not require the involvement of humans or laboratories.
Inventions of the youth
Those visiting the exhibit also witnessed the intelligence of a new generation. Students from BDA School of the High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China had their own exhibition at the WRC. Despite their young age, the students brought fascinating inventions and ideas. For example Wang Jiarun, a junior student at the school, designed a three-dimensional parking facility. Since there are usually too few parking spaces in older residential areas, Wang’s work aims to fit more cars into current parking spots. The facility works like a sky wheel with six parking spots. When cars need to be picked up, the facility rotates steadily, placing the car on the ground.
1. What’s the author’s purpose in writing this article?| A．To state the importance of robots. |
| B．To advertise three kinds of robots. |
| C．To introduce some front-line inventions of robots. |
| D．To explore the features of young people’s inventions. |
| A．It can save manpower. |
| B．It looks like a lively human. |
| C．It processes samples with the help of doctors. |
| D．It can produce and upload the results in half an hour. |
| A．To keep the balance of the facility. |
| B．To prevent cars from being stolen. |
| C．To decorate current parking spaces. |
| D．To make the best of limited spaces. |
【推荐2】Creative vending（售卖）machines prints short stories to read while you wait
Recently, inventive vending machines have become popular around France.
The “Short Story Dispenser（分配器）” first appeared at Paris’ busy Charles de Gaulle Airport last year.
| A．Fewer people read short stories these days. |
| B．Instead of distributing sweet treats or sugary drinks, however, some vending machines distribute short stories. |
| C．Short Edition, a library of short literature, has fixed unique vending machines that print out short stories. |
| D．Since then, the popular machines have been fixed in various public places across the country. |
| E．How do you kill a few minutes while waiting for a bus or train? |
| F．Using a “ Short Story Dispenser ” is simple. |
| G．Pretty in design, each vending machine offers an appealing way for customers to kill time. |
【推荐3】Top Technology Products at CES 2024
AI for Hyundai and Kia vehicles
South Korea’s Samsung announced it was working with automaker Hyundai to develop “home-to-car” and “car-to-home” services for all Hyundai and Kia vehicles.
This AI-powered system will allow users of Samsung’s SmartThings service to remotely (远程地) set their vehicle’s temperature or open its windows. And users can control lights and connect to electrical equipment inside the home when inside the car.
Car parking robot
South Korean electric automotive company HL Mando showed a parking robot called Parkie. It is designed to operate (运转) by itself in parking lots. The robot can move under parked vehicles, lift the cars up and transport them to different spaces or return them to their drivers.
Transparent televisions
Electronics producers LG and Samsung brought televisions to CES that have a transparent (透明的) screen design. The TVs use OLED technology. They are designed to be hidden in a room when not in use.
When not in the transparent setting, the TVs have a traditional, black background. The companies presenting the TVs did not provide pricing information, but experts say the transparent ones are likely to cost tens of thousands of dollars.
Robotic lawn mower
Chinese robotics developer Mammotion showed a new type of its self-driving lawn mower (割草机). The latest, all-wheel-drive Luba 2 includes new wireless abilities and tools to deal with obstacles (障碍) in the grass. The robot mower can be already got and sells for just over $2,000.
1. What can you do in a car with the AI-powered system?| A．Park your car easily. | B．Control some home equipment. |
| C．Enjoy the fun of driverless ride. | D．Order the machine to cut grass. |
| A．They are wireless equipment. | B．They are cheap to buy. |
| C．They bring driving pleasure. | D．They can work by themselves. |
| A．AI for Hyundai and Kia vehicles. | B．Car parking robot. |
| C．Transparent televisions. | D．Robotic lawn mower. |
【推荐1】Research studies indicate that children who eat breakfast perform better at school. Maybe it works that way for adults too since our brains need fuel to work properly.
Skipping breakfast is a common way for people who are trying to lose weight, but unfortunately, it’s usually not a successful way. Your body (or more likely, your brain) expects to be refueled a few times each day. When you don’t eat breakfast, you may feel so hungry by lunchtime that you eat more foods than you normally would, which cancels out the calories you cut by skipping breakfast. You may also be tempted to choose foods that are not the healthiest choices when you feel like you are starving.
For many people, eating breakfast may be an important part of a weight loss diet. Research studies tell us that people who eat breakfast are more likely to keep up a healthy weight. Some experts believe that breakfast keeps your metabolism (新陈代谢) running higher. In fact, it takes three or four days of eating nothing before the body starts changing down your metabolism. It’s more likely that people who regularly eat breakfast also make good dietary choices the rest of the day.
Breakfast should include a healthy source of protein and plenty of fiber; the combination will help satisfy your hunger and will keep you feeling full until lunchtime. The protein can come from low-fat meat, low-fat dairy products, or nuts. Eggs are also a good source of protein. High-fiber foods, include fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
If you really don’t like to eat breakfast in the morning, you can split it up into two smaller meals. Eat a hard-boiled egg, or a small cup of yogurt at home before you leave for work, and then about an hour or two later, take a break from work and snack on an apple and a handful of healthy nuts like pecans or walnuts.
1. What’s the main idea of Paragraph 2?| A．Eating breakfast keeps us healthier than skipping it. |
| B．Skipping breakfast isn’t very useful for losing weight. |
| C．Our brain needs a lot of fuel to work properly. |
| D．What healthy food we should eat for breakfast |
| A．Pretended. | B．Determined. | C．Attracted. | D．Warned. |
| A．low-fat meat | B．low-fat dairy products |
| C．vegetables | D．eggs |
| A．a news report | B．a personal diary |
| C．a biology book | D．a healthy life website |
【推荐2】New Year’s celebrations take many forms, but most cultures have one thing in common—have a good time after a long, hard year. For much of the globe this involves drinking with friends until the sun comes up, singing together. But others have rather more curious habits, often filled with superstition (迷信).
In Denmark, people stand on chairs and jump off together as the clock strikes midnight, really leaping into the new year. The Danes also throw plates at their friends’ homes during the night-the more pieces you find outside your door in the morning the more popular you are said to be.
In Finland, say tour guides, people pour melted (熔化的) lead into cold water to predict the year ahead from the shape the metal forms. If the shape represents a ship it is said to predict travel, if it’s a ball, good luck.
The Dutch build massive bonfires with their Christmas trees and cat sugary donuts—one of many cultures to consume round New Year’s foods traditionally believed to represent good fortune.
Spaniards, in turn, cat a dozen grapes before the strike of midnight, each fruit representing a month that will either be sweet or sour.
In the Philippines, people wear polka dots (带圆点的服装) for good luck, while in some countries of South America people put on brightly coloured underwear to attract fortune—red for love and yellow for financial success.
Despite regional and cultural differences, for most the New Year’s festivities are a chance to let off steam before the annual cycle starts all over again. “This is a holiday that is about celebration and letting go,” explained George Washington University sociologist Amitai Etzioni.
1. In which country is the festival related to metal?| A．Denmark. | B．Spain. | C．Finland. | D．The Netherlands. |
| A．The Danes throw grapes at their friends’ homes during the night. |
| B．Spaniards eat many donuts before the strike of midnight. |
| C．The Dutch build massive walls with their Christmas trees. |
| D．Some people in South America wear red underwear for love. |
| A．Get married. | B．Get relaxed. | C．Make money. | D．Make friends. |
【推荐3】STEM is short for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Strengthening STEM education is vital to preparing kids to compete in the 21st century economy, because kids’ success is driven not only by what they know, but by what they can do with what they know. As a result, it’s more important than ever for youth to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to solve tough problems, gather and evaluate evidence, and make sense of information. The following camps provide the skills needed to succeed in the highly competitive society.
Steve & Kate’ s Camp
December 26th to January 24th
Steve & Kate’s Camp was founded on the belief that when you trust kids, they learn to trust themselves, and develop creative confidence that will help them unleash (突然释放) their true potential. It offers a safe, judgement-free environment where kids can be themselves, explore their passions and make a few mistakes along the way.
Phone:415-389-5437
App Camp
February 16th to March 28th
Asheville School is offering a unique app camp experience for teenagers across the US and abroad who are interested in learning how to make exciting new apps for the iPhone and iPad. Students will learn about Apple’s Swift programming language and learn Apple’s new AR technology.
Phone:828-254-6345
Game Camp Nation
April 17th to June 9th
Use your child’s energy for video games to fuel their future, strengthen self-confidence and make new friends. Creativity, Critical thinking & Communication: We emphasize the 3Cs needed for success in today’s media-driven world. Hands-on projects spark curiosity. Our groups are intentionally kept small, and our staff encourage the kinds of peer interaction that easily make friends.
Phone:619-446-6495
Camp Motor-sport
August 10th to October 7th
For the camper who loves to hear those famous words “Start your engines!” Camp Motor-sport offers exciting motor-sport focusing on summer camp programs for girls and boys aged 9 to 17. In addition to gaining valuable seat time, campers get hands-on experience with the STEM aspects of automotive design. When not driving, Camp Motor-sport still has all the fun campers expect including a private lake with swimming, boats, and gaga ball just to name a few.
Phone:888-836-1212
1. Which camp will you choose if your kid has a long Christmas vacation?| A．Game Camp nation. | B．Camp Motor-sport |
| C．Steve Kate’s Camp. | D．APP Camp. |
| A．Steve & Kate’s Camp | B．APP Camp |
| C．Game Camp Nation | D．Camp Motor-sport |
| A．415-389-5437. | B．828-254-6345. |
| C．619-446-6495. | D．888-836-1212. |
| A．They both make learners become confident. |
| B．They both appeal to learners full of curiosity. |
| C．They are both popular with programming language learners. |
| D．They are both free of charge for teenagers all around the US. |
| A．motivate teenagers to prepare for the competition |
| B．share information on how to spark kids’ curiosity |
| C．help teenagers compete successfully in society |
| D．attract parents to enroll their kids in the camps |
【推荐1】Where did novel corona-virus come from?
As COVID-19 is spreading throughout the world, an important question has yet to be answered: where did the virus come from?
The latest study indicated that pangolins (穿山甲) may be an intermediate host of the virus, according to Xinhua. However, bats are suspected to be the original cause.
We don’t know the source yet, but there’s pretty strong evidence that this is a bat origin corona-virus,” said Peter Dazsak, president of EcoHealth Alliance, an environmental nonprofit, according to The New York Times. “When you look at the genetic sequence (基因序列) of the virus, and you match it up with every known corona-virus, the closest relatives are from bats,” Dazsak also told CNN.
So why are bats the source of so many deadly kinds of viruses but they don’t suffer from any symptoms? As the only flying mammal (哺乳动物) with long lifespan, bats’ body temperature is high, similar to a fever. It’s this fact that may contribute to bats’ unique immune system (免疫系统) in protecting them from the ill effects of viruses.
But are bats truly to blame for the virus or should we be blaming ourselves? Whether we destroy the forests where bats live or they end up on our plate, it’s the fault of humans for decreasing the distance between us and virus-carrying bats. Bats are an important animal in our ecosystem when it comes to pollinating (授粉) many fruits such as mangoes and bananas. We need to allow them to continue pollination and keep them away from our markets and mouths.
1. Which of the following statements is true about the origin of COVID-19?| A．Genetically, the virus was found to be similar to those tested in bats. |
| B．Scientifically, it is confirmed that bats are the very original cause. |
| C．Pangolins are agreed to be the intermediate host of the virus. |
| D．Bats not human beings are truly to blame for the virus. |
| A．bats’ low body temperature fight against the viruses. |
| B．the corona-virus is not deadly to bats at all. |
| C．bats are the closest relatives of the virus. |
| D．bats’ unique immune system protect them from the bad effects of virus . |
| A．Humans are supposed to protect bats well. |
| B．Human should keep a proper distance away from bats. |
| C．Bats contribute to our ecosystem a lot. |
| D．Bats are to blame for deadly virus-carrying. |
| A．A biography. | B．A book review. | C．A magazine. | D．A realistic novel. |
【推荐2】When Erin Shields sang “Being Alive,” a popular song from the Broadway show “Company,” the song had extra levels of meaning.
Shields and her husband David Shenton are touring musicians. They could not perform around the world during the coronavirus pandemic. So they broadcast virtual concerts from home to raise money for the Mosaic West Queens Church in New York City. The concerts brought thousands of dollars to the church to help feed hungry people living in the neighborhood. They also gave the two musicians a chance to continue their artistic lives.
It began when they saw the long lines of people waiting for food outside the church near their home. Several of their friends had lost jobs after Broadway theaters closed. And they felt the need to help.
In September, they volunteered at the church to give away boxes of food to families two times a week. As time passed, they felt the need to do more for others during the pandemic. “I’m not a doctor ... I don’t really have much to offer. But you know, we can perform,” said Shields.
She is an opera singer from the American state of Illinois. Her husband Shenton is a British composer, pianist and violinist. And their artistic friends were willing to join for a good cause.
“We have all these connections to Broadway singers outside of their work on Broadway, so we wanted to capitalize on that,” Shenton said.
During a recent virtual concert, smiling families, watching on their computers at home, clapped and sang along. Among the performers were Broadway musicians known for their work in shows such as “Hamilton” and “The Little Mermaid” as well as “Les Miserables.”
Shields said volunteering became especially important last year when New York turned into the center of the pandemic. “If you’re feeling low, volunteer, give back to other people, because it will make you feel better,” Shields said.
1. What can we learn about Erin Shields?| A．She found a new job during the pandemic. |
| B．The song “Being Alive” made her more popular. |
| C．She gave up her artistic life to help hungry people. |
| D．Virtual concerts enabled her to continue her performance. |
| A．Take advantage of. |
| B．Keep track of. |
| C．Get the hang of. |
| D．Make a list of. |
| A．Volunteering Makes People Feel Better |
| B．Musicians Raise Money to Feed Neighbors |
| C．Music Gives People Strength to Pull Through |
| D．Food Supply Becomes too Low in New York |
【推荐3】A hospitality college in Bali, Indonesia, has begun accepting coconuts (椰子) as tuition payment as students face economic hardship as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
When students at the Venus One Tourism Academy pay their fees with coconuts, the college will use them to harvest virgin coconut oil, UPI reported.
Alternatively, students can pay using leaves from moringa (辣木) and gotu kola plants (积雪草), which can be converted into herbal soap and sold to raise money for the academy, Food & Wine added.
The program has been running since March, after the college received a permit to allow it to operate on this basis, according to The Bali Sun.
Venus One Tourism Academy’s director, Wayan Pasek Adi Putra, told local news outlet Balipuspa News: “Initially, the tuition payment scheme was paid in installments three times, with the first installment at 50%, the second 20%, and the third 30%. Because of this Covid pandemic, we have adapted a flexible policy. We produce virgin coconut oil, so students can pay their tuition by bringing coconuts.”
He added: “We have to educate them to optimize the natural resources in their surroundings. When the pandemic is over, they will enter the world of hospitality with different skills.”
Bali is a major international tourist destination but in August, the Balinese government closed the island to non-Indonesian visitors until 2021, BBC News reported.
1. Why did the hospitality college accept coconuts as tuition payment?| A．Because people there like eating coconuts. |
| B．Because some students face financial trouble as a result of corona virus pandemic. |
| C．Because the college want to harvest virgin coconut oil. |
| D．Because coconuts are expensive. |
| A．They can be processed into herbal soap to raise money. |
| B．They can attract more visitors to Bali. |
| C．They can be used to treat coronavirus. |
| D．They can help to educate students. |
| A．The students must pay off their tuition fee at a time initially. |
| B．The college began accepting coconuts as tuition payment in August. |
| C．No foreign tourists can visit Bali in September 2020. |
| D．Many people in Indonesia died in coronavirus pandemic. |
| A．New tourist destination. | B．A new strain of coronavirus. |
| C．A new way of tuition payment. | D．A new discovery of coconuts |
