ENGLISH MEBY

融合する世界:ゲーム、ロボット、そして音楽」の英語長文問題

以下の英文を読み、設問に答えなさい。

The 21st century has witnessed a remarkable convergence of seemingly disparate fields. Game characters, once confined to virtual worlds, are increasingly influencing the design of service robots. Simultaneously, the rhythmic pulse of pop music permeates both digital entertainment and the functionalities of these advanced machines. This interconnectedness presents fascinating opportunities and complex challenges. Consider the evolution of service robots. Early models were primarily functional, focused on tasks like cleaning or delivering goods. However, recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and human-computer interaction (HCI) have allowed for the creation of robots with greater autonomy and expressive capabilities. Inspired by the charismatic personalities of game characters, designers are incorporating elements of character animation and interactive storytelling into their robotic creations. This is evident in robots designed for companionship, education, or even healthcare, where engaging interactions are crucial for effectiveness. Pop music plays a surprisingly significant role in this convergence. The upbeat tempo and catchy melodies of pop songs are often used to enhance the user experience with service robots. For instance, robots might play music to signal the completion of a task or to create a more welcoming atmosphere. Furthermore, the incorporation of music into robot programming allows for a more nuanced expression of emotions, enhancing the human-robot interaction. The rhythmic patterns of music can even synchronize with the movements of robots, creating a more visually appealing and engaging experience. However, this fusion of game characters, service robots, and pop music is not without its ethical considerations. The increasing sophistication of AI raises questions about the potential for emotional manipulation and the blurring of lines between human and machine interaction. Concerns regarding data privacy and security also become amplified as these robots collect more data about users' preferences and behaviours. The careful consideration of these issues is crucial to ensure responsible development and deployment of this technology. The convergence of these three seemingly unrelated areas – game characters, service robots, and pop music – demonstrates the increasingly interconnected nature of modern technology. Navigating the ethical complexities while harnessing the potential benefits will be a defining challenge of our time.

1. According to the passage, what is a key factor driving the enhanced capabilities of modern service robots?

2. How does pop music contribute to the user experience with service robots?

3. What ethical concerns are raised by the integration of game characters, service robots, and pop music?

4. What is the central idea conveyed in the final paragraph of the passage?