Common Core State Standard L.CCS.1/2/3/4 Grades 6-12: Video of a current news event is presented for discussion to encourage student participation, but also inspire the use of evidence to support logical claims using the main ideas of the video. Students must analyze background information provided about a current event, draw out the main ideas and key details, and review different opinions on the issue. Then, students should present their own claims using facts and analysis for support.
05/05/2025
Humanoid robots headed for US car factories
Boston Dynamics’ advanced humanoid robot, Atlas, will soon begin trial operations in Hyundai Motor Group’s US manufacturing facilities. Auto plants have used robots for years to perform specialized tasks such as welding car panels together. However, humanoid robots could switch between multiple tasks, just like humans. Artificial intelligence programs could make it much easier for the humanoid robots to learn how to do different jobs. The powerful robots are expected to operate separately from vulnerable human workers.
■Class discussion: As companies build new manufacturing plants, will automation and robots replace most human workers? How are robots already replacing humans in factories and warehouses? What other human jobs could robots equipped with artificial intelligence perform? Do you expect robots to perform most manual labor during your lifetime? What will happen to displaced human workers? President Donald Trump says his tariffs will create millions of US manufacturing jobs. Do you think he is right??
