VOA常速英语2015--模块化机器人即将走进现实

Modular Robot Getting Closer to Reality 模块化机器人即将走进现实

For years, researchers at Carnegie Mellon University experimented with a snake-like robot that could crawl through pipes and climb up trees.

多年来，卡内基梅隆大学的研究者们一直在实验一种能爬过管道并爬树的蛇状机器人。

Gradually, their robot evolved into motorized modules¹, each with its own processor, that can be assembled in various configurations², such as a six-legged insect-like machine they call the Snake Monster.

这款机器人慢慢演化成机动化模块，每个模块都有自己的处理器，可以以不同的布局重新组合，比如被他们称之为“蛇魔”的六足昆虫状机器。

Howie Choset, a professor at the Carnegie Mellon Robotics Institute, said researchers were "able to put the modules together as easy as Lego, but there is a lot going on underneath³ the hood⁴ to allow that to happen.”

豪伊·乔赛特是卡内基梅隆机器人研究所的教授，他说研究者们“能够像玩乐高玩具那样很轻易地将模块进行组合，但要做到这一点，背后隐藏着很多机巧。”

What happens "underneath the hood" is the most interesting part. The modules are able to communicate with each other, in order to coordinate⁵ the robot’s movements.

这种隐藏的机巧是最有趣的部分，这些模块能相互沟通，从而协调机器人的运动。

End modules with wheels instead of feet allow the robot to move faster on smooth surfaces. Modules may also be equipped with a camera that can survey the surroundings.

末端模块有轮子，而不是脚，这样机器人就能在光滑表面上更快地运动。模块上也可配备摄像头来调查周围环境。

Another feature is a so-called “master-and-slave” system, through which an operator can manipulate a robotic twin, remotely controlling the twin and even feeling the resistance it encounters.

另一个特点是所谓的“主从系统”，通过该系统操作者可以操纵一台孪生机器人，远程地控制这台机器人，甚至能感到它遇到的阻力。

Choset said the robot is ready for real-life testing. "That robot is field-deployable," he said. "You can take that robot and throw it around. It's robust⁶. You can kick it, and it is still going to work.”

乔赛特说这款机器人已经可以进行实际测试，“这个机器人可以进行野外操作，你可以把它拿起来扔一边，它很结实，还可以踢它，但它还能工作。”

Modular robotic arms can be programmed for various tasks, including feeding handicapped persons.

模块化机器人手臂可以设定用于进行多项任务，包括给残疾人喂食。

Researchers are already working on other modular attachments⁷, such as force-sensing feet or tank-like tracks that will allow customizing robots for different tasks.

研究者已经在开发其他模块化附件，比如能感受力量的脚和像坦克那样的轨道，从而可以对机器人定制化更多任务。

1 modules   

n.模块( module的名词复数 )；单元；（宇宙飞船上各个独立的）舱；组件

参考例句：

• The course consists of ten core modules and five optional modules. 这门课程包括十个必修单元和五个选修单元。
• Our English course is divided into modules on poetry, drama, and novels. 我们的英语课分为诗歌、戏剧和小说等单元。 来自《简明英汉词典》

2 configurations   

n.[化学]结构( configuration的名词复数 )；构造；（计算机的）配置；构形（原子在分子中的相对空间位置）

参考例句：

• Such configurations, obtained theoretically by calculation, are called models of a star. 通过理论计算得到的恒星结构称为恒星模型。 来自辞典例句
• The other two configurations have overriding advantages for special applications. 其它两种接法对特殊应用具有突出的优点。 来自辞典例句

3 underneath   

adj.在...下面，在...底下；adv.在下面

参考例句：

• Working underneath the car is always a messy job.在汽车底下工作是件脏活。
• She wore a coat with a dress underneath.她穿着一件大衣，里面套着一条连衣裙。

4 hood   

n.头巾，兜帽，覆盖；v.罩上，以头巾覆盖

参考例句：

• She is wearing a red cloak with a hood.她穿着一件红色带兜帽的披风。
• The car hood was dented in.汽车的发动机罩已凹了进去。

5 coordinate   

adj.同等的，协调的；n.同等者；vt.协作，协调

参考例句：

• You must coordinate what you said with what you did.你必须使你的言行一致。
• Maybe we can coordinate the relation of them.或许我们可以调和他们之间的关系。

6 robust   

adj.强壮的，强健的，粗野的，需要体力的，浓的

参考例句：

• She is too tall and robust.她个子太高，身体太壮。
• China wants to keep growth robust to reduce poverty and avoid job losses,AP commented.美联社评论道，中国希望保持经济强势增长，以减少贫困和失业状况。

7 attachments   

n.（用电子邮件发送的）附件( attachment的名词复数 )；附着；连接；附属物

参考例句：

• The vacuum cleaner has four different attachments. 吸尘器有四个不同的附件。
• It's an electric drill with a range of different attachments. 这是一个带有各种配件的电钻。