Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, recently announced that the company plans to start using humanoid robots in its factories as soon as next year. He shared this news on social media, saying that Tesla will not only use these robots for its own work but will also begin making them for sale to other companies by 2026. This decision comes as Tesla is facing some difficulties with fewer people wanting to buy its electric cars, so they are looking for new ways to cut costs.

This news about the robots comes after Tesla’s profits dropped by almost 50% in the second quarter of this year. The company’s profits went from $2.7 billion down to less than $1.5 billion, mostly because car sales have been lower. Even though Tesla tried to attract more customers by lowering prices and offering deals, they still saw a 7% drop in revenue from car sales. On a positive note, Tesla’s overall revenue did go up by 2%, thanks to their energy storage business.

Musk is focusing on robots and artificial intelligence at a time when interest in electric vehicles is slowing down. He has previously said that the humanoid robot, called Optimus, should be ready to work in Tesla factories by the end of this year. In his latest update, he mentioned that Tesla plans to produce a small number of these robots for their own use in 2024, with hopes to make more for other customers by 2026.

Tesla’s goal for the Optimus robot is to create a robot that can work on tasks that are dangerous, boring, or repetitive. Musk wants these robots to be made at a cost of less than $20,000 each. However, he has a history of making big promises about when things will happen, and those timelines don’t always work out. For example, he thought self-driving taxis would be available by 2020, but that hasn’t happened yet. Other companies like Honda and Boston Dynamics are also trying to create their own humanoid robots, and Tesla’s future plans will depend on both new technology and getting the necessary approvals.

Original news source: Musk says Tesla to use humanoid robots next year (BBC)

🎧 Listen:

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📖 Vocabulary:

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– CHARADES
Instructions: Students will act out various terms related to the article, such as “humanoid robot,” “profits,” “electric car,” and “artificial intelligence.” The rest of the class will guess the term being acted out.

– NEWS REPORTER ROLE-PLAY
Instructions: In pairs, students will take turns being a news reporter and a guest speaker. The reporter will ask questions about Tesla’s new robot initiative and the guest will provide answers based on the article. After a few minutes, they will switch roles.

– OPINION POLL
Instructions: Students will walk around the classroom and ask their classmates whether they think the use of robots in factories is a good idea. They will gather opinions and share the results with the class, discussing the pros and cons mentioned in the article.

– MIND MAP
Instructions: As a group, students will create a mind map on the board that outlines the main ideas from the article. They will include key points like Tesla’s profits, the introduction of humanoid robots, and the future of electric vehicles and AI.

– FUTURE PREDICTIONS
Instructions: Students will work in small groups to discuss and predict what will happen to Tesla and the electric vehicle market in the next five years based on the article. They will share their predictions with the class and justify their reasoning.

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. What recent announcement did Elon Musk make regarding Tesla’s use of humanoid robots?

2. Why is Tesla considering the use of robots in its factories?

3. How much did Tesla’s profits drop in the second quarter of this year?

4. What strategy did Tesla use to attract more customers despite the drop in car sales?

5. What is the name of the humanoid robot that Musk mentioned, and when is it expected to be ready for use?

6. What tasks does Musk hope the Optimus robot will be able to perform?

7. What is the target cost for each Optimus robot according to Musk?

8. How do Tesla’s plans for humanoid robots compare to those of other companies like Honda and Boston Dynamics?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

Elon Musk, the CEO of (1)______, recently announced that the (2)______ plans to start (3)______ humanoid robots in its factories as soon as next year. He shared this news on social media, saying that Tesla will not only use these robots for its own work but will also (4)______ making them for sale to other companies by 2026. This decision comes as Tesla is facing some difficulties with fewer people wanting to buy its electric cars, so they are looking for new ways to cut costs.

This news about the robots comes after Tesla’s profits dropped by almost 50% in the second quarter of this year. The company’s profits went from $2.7 billion down to less than $1.5 billion, mostly because car sales have been (5)______. Even though Tesla tried to attract more customers by lowering prices and offering deals, they still saw a 7% drop in (6)______ from car sales. On a positive note, Tesla’s overall revenue did go up by 2%, (7)______ to their energy (8)______ business.

Musk is focusing on robots and artificial intelligence at a time when interest in electric vehicles is (9)______ down. He has previously said that the humanoid (10)______, called (11)______, should be ready to work in Tesla factories by the end of this year. In his latest update, he mentioned that Tesla plans to produce a small number of these robots for their own use in 2024, with hopes to make more for other (12)______ by 2026.

Tesla’s goal for the Optimus robot is to create a robot that can work on tasks that are dangerous, boring, or repetitive. Musk wants these robots to be made at a cost of less than $20,000 each. However, he has a (13)______ of making big promises about when things will happen, and those timelines don’t always work out. For example, he thought self-driving taxis would be available by 2020, but that hasn’t happened yet. Other companies like Honda and Boston (14)______ are also trying to create their own humanoid robots, and Tesla’s (15)______ plans will depend on both new technology and getting the necessary (16)______.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What is your opinion on the use of robots in factories? Do you think it’s a good idea? Why or why not?

2. How would you feel if you had to work alongside a humanoid robot? Would you be comfortable with it?

3. Do you think robots could ever replace human workers completely? Why or why not?

4. What is a task you think would be better done by a robot than by a person?

5. How do you think the introduction of robots in the workplace will affect job opportunities for people?

6. Do you like the idea of companies using robots to cut costs? Why or why not?

7. What is a dangerous or boring task you think a robot should do?

8. How would you feel if robots started making decisions in your daily life, like in your home or at school?

9. Do you think Elon Musk’s goals for robots are realistic? Why or why not?

10. What is your experience with technology in your daily life? Do you think it makes things easier or more complicated?

11. How would you feel if you could buy a humanoid robot for personal use? What would you want it to do?

12. Do you think it’s important for companies to focus on developing new technologies like robots? Why or why not?

13. What is a benefit and a drawback of using robots in industries like car manufacturing?

14. How do you think people’s attitudes towards electric cars might change with the introduction of robots in the industry?

15. Do you think there should be rules or regulations about how robots are used in workplaces? Why or why not?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. humanoid
2. factories
3. announced
4. revenue
5. artificial
6. repetitive
7. profits
8. attract
9. storage
10. interest
11. produce
12. approvals
13. available
14. timelines
15. necessary

Meanings:
(A) Schedules or plans that show when things should happen
(B) Required or needed for a particular purpose
(C) Ready to be used or obtained
(D) Large buildings where goods are manufactured
(E) The act of keeping something for future use
(F) Official permissions or agreements
(G) The money a company makes after all expenses are paid
(H) Made a public statement about something
(I) To create or make something
(J) Made by humans, not natural
(K) Resembling a human in appearance or behavior
(L) Happening over and over again in the same way
(M) A feeling of wanting to learn more about something
(N) The money a company earns from its business activities
(O) To draw or bring someone or something towards you
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What is Tesla planning to start using in its factories next year?
(a) Drones
(b) Electric cars
(c) Humanoid robots
(d) Solar panels

2. By what year does Tesla plan to begin selling humanoid robots to other companies?
(a) 2025
(b) 2024
(c) 2023
(d) 2026

3. What percentage did Tesla’s profits drop in the second quarter of this year?
(a) 25%
(b) 10%
(c) 75%
(d) Almost 50%

4. What was Tesla’s profit in the second quarter of this year?
(a) $2 billion
(b) $3 billion
(c) Less than $1.5 billion
(d) $1 billion

5. What is the name of the humanoid robot Tesla is developing?
(a) Optimus
(b) Atlas
(c) RoboCar
(d) TeslaBot

6. What is the target cost for each Optimus robot?
(a) Less than $20,000
(b) $30,000
(c) $10,000
(d) $50,000

7. What type of tasks does Musk want the Optimus robot to handle?
(a) Creative tasks
(b) Dangerous, boring, or repetitive tasks
(c) Customer service
(d) Marketing

8. What has Musk previously over-promised regarding Tesla’s technology?
(a) Electric airplane
(b) Self-driving taxis
(c) Solar roofs
(d) Battery technology

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. Other companies, like Honda and Boston Dynamics, are also working on their own humanoid robots.
2. Musk aims to create the Pessimus robot to handle dangerous, boring, or repetitive tasks.
3. Elon Musk announced that Tesla will start using humanoid robots in its factories next year.
4. Tesla has no plans to sell these robots to other companies by 2026.
5. Despite higher car sales, Tesla’s overall revenue decreased by 2% because of their energy storage business.
6. Tesla’s profits increased from $2.7 billion to less than $1.5 billion due to lower car sales.
7. Tesla hopes to produce the Optimus robot for under $20,000 each.
8. The decision to use robots comes after Tesla’s profits dropped by nearly 50% in the second quarter of this year.
Go to answers ⇩

📝 Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.

1. Why is Tesla planning to use humanoid robots in its factories?
2. What challenges is Tesla currently facing with its electric car sales?
3. What is the name of the humanoid robot that Tesla is developing, and when is it expected to be ready?
4. How does Elon Musk hope the Optimus robot will help the company?
5. What are some reasons that Tesla’s future plans for the robots might not go as expected?

✅ Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. What recent announcement did Elon Musk make regarding Tesla’s use of humanoid robots?
Elon Musk announced that Tesla plans to start using humanoid robots in its factories as soon as next year and will also begin making them for sale to other companies by 2026.

2. Why is Tesla considering the use of robots in its factories?
Tesla is considering the use of robots in its factories to cut costs, especially since they are facing difficulties with fewer people wanting to buy their electric cars.

3. How much did Tesla’s profits drop in the second quarter of this year?
Tesla’s profits dropped by almost 50%, going from $2.7 billion to less than $1.5 billion.

4. What strategy did Tesla use to attract more customers despite the drop in car sales?
To attract more customers, Tesla lowered prices and offered deals, but still experienced a 7% drop in revenue from car sales.

5. What is the name of the humanoid robot that Musk mentioned, and when is it expected to be ready for use?
The humanoid robot is called Optimus, and it is expected to be ready for use in Tesla factories by the end of this year.

6. What tasks does Musk hope the Optimus robot will be able to perform?
Musk hopes the Optimus robot will be able to perform tasks that are dangerous, boring, or repetitive.

7. What is the target cost for each Optimus robot according to Musk?
Musk’s target cost for each Optimus robot is less than $20,000.

8. How do Tesla’s plans for humanoid robots compare to those of other companies like Honda and Boston Dynamics?
Tesla’s plans for humanoid robots are similar to those of other companies like Honda and Boston Dynamics, as they are also trying to create their own humanoid robots. However, Tesla’s future plans will depend on new technology and getting the necessary approvals.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) Tesla
(2) company
(3) using
(4) begin
(5) lower
(6) revenue
(7) thanks
(8) storage
(9) slowing
(10) robot
(11) Optimus
(12) customers
(13) history
(14) Dynamics
(15) future
(16) approvals
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. humanoid
Answer: (K) Resembling a human in appearance or behavior

2. factories
Answer: (D) Large buildings where goods are manufactured

3. announced
Answer: (H) Made a public statement about something

4. revenue
Answer: (N) The money a company earns from its business activities

5. artificial
Answer: (J) Made by humans, not natural

6. repetitive
Answer: (L) Happening over and over again in the same way

7. profits
Answer: (G) The money a company makes after all expenses are paid

8. attract
Answer: (O) To draw or bring someone or something towards you

9. storage
Answer: (E) The act of keeping something for future use

10. interest
Answer: (M) A feeling of wanting to learn more about something

11. produce
Answer: (I) To create or make something

12. approvals
Answer: (F) Official permissions or agreements

13. available
Answer: (C) Ready to be used or obtained

14. timelines
Answer: (A) Schedules or plans that show when things should happen

15. necessary
Answer: (B) Required or needed for a particular purpose
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What is Tesla planning to start using in its factories next year?
Answer: (c) Humanoid robots

2. By what year does Tesla plan to begin selling humanoid robots to other companies?
Answer: (d) 2026

3. What percentage did Tesla’s profits drop in the second quarter of this year?
Answer: (d) Almost 50%

4. What was Tesla’s profit in the second quarter of this year?
Answer: (c) Less than $1.5 billion

5. What is the name of the humanoid robot Tesla is developing?
Answer: (a) Optimus

6. What is the target cost for each Optimus robot?
Answer: (a) Less than $20,000

7. What type of tasks does Musk want the Optimus robot to handle?
Answer: (b) Dangerous, boring, or repetitive tasks

8. What has Musk previously over-promised regarding Tesla’s technology?
Answer: (b) Self-driving taxis
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. Other companies, like Honda and Boston Dynamics, are also working on their own humanoid robots. (Answer: True)
2. Musk aims to create the Pessimus robot to handle dangerous, boring, or repetitive tasks. (Answer: False)
3. Elon Musk announced that Tesla will start using humanoid robots in its factories next year. (Answer: True)
4. Tesla has no plans to sell these robots to other companies by 2026. (Answer: False)
5. Despite higher car sales, Tesla’s overall revenue decreased by 2% because of their energy storage business. (Answer: False)
6. Tesla’s profits increased from $2.7 billion to less than $1.5 billion due to lower car sales. (Answer: False)
7. Tesla hopes to produce the Optimus robot for under $20,000 each. (Answer: True)
8. The decision to use robots comes after Tesla’s profits dropped by nearly 50% in the second quarter of this year. (Answer: True)
Go back to questions ⇧