Pizza Robots Comprehension Check

Why do you think scientists want robots to help in places like senior centers and hospitals?

• So robots can take over all jobs from humans

• To allow workers to focus on helping people instead of doing small tasks

• Because robots are better at taking care of people than humans

• So robots can learn how to cook

What did the scientists use to test how a robot could make pizza before using a real robot?

• A pizza-making contest
  
  

• A video game

• A computer simulation
  
  

• A cooking class

Why might a pizza-making robot be more challenging to create than a robot that assembles cars?

• Pizza dough is soft and changes shape, while car parts are solid and predictable.
  
  
  

• Pizza ingredients are expensive, and car parts are cheap.
  
  

• People don’t want robots to make their pizza.
  

• Robots are too big to fit in a kitchen.

What is a computer program, and why do robots need them?

• A program is a power source that makes robots move.

• A program is a set of instructions that tells a robot what to do.

• A program is a special tool that helps robots build things.

• A program is a battery that helps robots function.

Based on the article, do you think robots will completely replace humans in making food? Why or why not?

• Yes, because robots are smarter than humans.
  
  

• No, because robots still struggle with tasks that require problem-solving and flexibility.
  
  

• Yes, because robots can already make perfect pizza.
  
  

• No, because robots do not like cooking.

What is the name of the robot that scientists used to test pizza-making?

• Sawyer

• Pepper

• Atlas

• Baxter

What does the fact that Sawyer couldn’t roll a perfect circle suggest about the challenges of programming robots?

• It is impossible for robots to do anything right.
  
  

• Robots still struggle with complex movements and adjusting to changes.
  
  

• Robots will never be able to make pizza.
  
  

• The scientists did not program the robot correctly.

Why is making pizza difficult for robots?

• The dough is soft and changes shape.
  
  

• Robots do not like pizza.
  
  

• Pizza requires only one step.
  
  

• Robots are too big to fit in a kitchen.

Why do you think the article mentions that robots can’t “figure out what to do on their own”? How does this affect their usefulness?

• Robots need clear instructions to function, so they can only do what they are programmed for.

• Robots can think for themselves, but they choose to follow orders.
  
  

• Robots don’t like following directions.
  
  

• Scientists want robots to be able to make their own decisions.

What are some other tasks scientists hope robots will be able to do in the future?

• Build skyscrapers and drive cars
  
  

• Clean hospitals and help in senior centers
  
  

• Teach students and play video games

• Take care of pets and write books