Robots and such

The "current state of play" means

• the current situation

• the current performance

If something is "the ultimate threat" to our existence, it is

• the fundamental danger

• the least likely obstacle

If you dismiss an idea, you decide that it is

• important, therefore worth considering

• not important, therefore not worth considering

"Sizeable" means

• large

• small

To impede means

• to slow down the progress of something

• to boost the progress of something

Over the years, various problems ..... all efforts to create robots.

• have impeded

• have helped

• have encouraged

If you point out "a shortcoming", you point out

• a fault or failure to meet a certain standard, typically in a person's character, a plan, or a system

• a quality in a person's character

"to navigate" means

• to move around or direct the way

• regulate

"to regulate" means

• to control something, especially by making it work in a particular way

• to navigate

"i.e."means

• that is

• i eat