No one can foretell the future of technology exactly, because no one can see the future. However, there are reasonable arguments     1    (base) on the advances and trends in technology in the past. For example, it is reasonable to predict that computers     2    (continue) to become more powerful, numerous and     3    (cheap). Areas with huge potential that are just beginning to be made use of today, like biotechnology, will continue to bear fruit.

Technology in general will probably continue to improve,     4    (create) both promises and risks. In the area of computers, someone might interact with hundreds of embedded microchips (嵌入式微芯片) throughout the home and the office. In     5     future, it will be many thousands. Increasing bandwidth and decreasing costs will lead to     6    some have called “ubiquitous computing”—computers everywhere helping us with everything. Some viewers, especially Bill Gates, believe the next few     7    (decade) will be characterized by long-awaited revolutions in robotic technology. Other futurists see trends in automation technology leading to desktop factories that allow users     8    (make) objects from simple original parts.

Apart from above areas, there are dozens if not hundreds of areas that will continue to advance technologically. One thing is     9    sure: the future will have better technology than the past did. But will we put     10     to better use? Only time and effort will tell.

In the not-too-distant future, we     1     (live) in smart homes, which will keep us secure, save us energy, and provide a more comfortable environment to live in. For example, the     2     (integrate) sensors will go into an energy-efficient mode all by itself. Your home will learn your     3     (day) routine and preferences. Your lights, favourite music or TV programmes will come on     4     instant you enter the door. All controls will respond to voice commands. Besides, how well you sleep every night will     5    (record) by your bed, and your     6     (weigh) problem will be checked as well. Even the smart toilets can     7     (constant) keep track of your health. Moreover, by providing you with relevant information early on, smart homes can help prevent serious damage     8     accidents, like big fires. Though some of these new     9     (innovation) are readily available and being used in some homes, it will still take some years     10    most new homes begin to use this high technology.

Over the past 50 years, robots     1     (become) a normal part of our everyday lives. They build cars in factories, clean up dirt in the house and deal with bombs in war zones. However, some     2     (invent) are trying to create a future where robots not only do our boring and dangerous jobs but also become a part of our families.

Japanese Robotics Company introduced LOVOT,     3     robot that weighs as much as a baby and looks like a mix between a penguin and a bear.     4     LOVOT cannot build a car, it can build a relationship with     5     (it) owner and provide love and companionship. In fact, LOVOT is just one of the latest robots meant to help those     6     feel lonely.

Robots like LOVOT are being developed at the perfect time. Many countries have “aging societies” with the populations of old people outweighing young people, resulting     7     more people who not only need assistance with things like getting     8     (dress) and cooking meals but also friendship and love. Additionally, it is predicted that 40 percent of Japanese will be living alone by 2040, meaning loneliness among younger populations may also increase     9     (significant). However, if LOVOT can give us all the affection we get from     10     (pet) without any of the mess or regular care, we might not be so lonely after all.