In a remarkable demonstration of robotics, Shenzhen-based Dobot recently showcased its humanoid (人形机器人) robot preparing a steak dinner — seasoning it with precise finger movements — while controlled by an engineer 1,800km away. A video released on the company’s WeChat account Friday revealed the Dobot Atom model replicating human actions through a virtual reality (VR) system.
During the test, an operator in Guangdong province wore VR gear to direct the robot stationed in Shandong. The four-minute clip captured the robot performing delicate kitchen tasks: patting the steak dry, pouring oil, flipping it, and even adding salt with 0.05-millimeter precision. Though currently limited to upper-body control, this technology could transform fields like surgery, nuclear inspections, and space exploration.
The successful demonstration had an immediate impact on Dobot’s market performance, with its Hong Kong-listed shares closing nearly 3 percent higher on the day of the video release. Founded in 2015, Dobot has evolved from specializing in robotic arms to becoming a key player in the humanoid robot market. The Dobot Atom, priced at 199,000 yuan (US$27,500), comes with highly dexterous five-finger hands — a technical breakthrough that allows for human-like manipulation (操作) of objects, addressing limitations that previous generations of robots faced when attempting to work in environments designed for humans. Last week, the company began global deliveries, with Japan receiving the first batch, marking a significant milestone in its journey towards mass production.
This development aligns with (一致) the growing momentum in China’s robotics industry. According to an April report by market research firm TrendForce, 11 Chinese robotics companies entered mass production in 2024, and six plan to manufacture over 1,000 units this year. Dobot’s VR-controlled cooking feat not only showcases its technical innovation but also positions the company at the forefront of the global race to commercialize humanoid robots, potentially reshaping how tasks are performed across diverse fields.
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1.1. What is the current limitation of the technology?
A Low precision.
B Short control distance.
C Only upper-body control.
D High power consumption.
解析：选C。C细节理解题。由第二段的“Though currently limited to upper-body control”可知，该技术目前的局限性是只能控制它的上半身。故选C。
2.2. Which of the following is TRUE about Dobot Atom’s five-finger hands?
A They are cheaper than previous models.
B They enable human-like object handling.
C They require no programming.
D They function better in space.
解析：选B。B细节理解题。第三段指出，五指手解决了“limitations that previous generations faced in human-designed environments”，由此可知其实现了类人操作能力（human-like manipulation）。故选B。
3.3. What can be inferred about China’s role in the global humanoid robot market?
A Falling behind other countries.
B Focused on domestic sales.
C Dependent on foreign technology.
D Becoming a major competitor.
解析：选D。D推理判断题。最后一段提到“11 Chinese robotics companies entered mass production in 2024”且“six plan to manufacture over 1,000 units this year”，同时指出Dobot “positions the company at the forefront of the global race”，由此可知，中国多家企业实现量产并计划大规模生产，且Dobot的技术突破使其跻身全球前沿，说明中国在全球人形机器人市场的竞争力显著提升，正在成为主要竞争者。故选D。
4.4. What is the primary purpose of the passage?
A To show China’s robotics progress.
B To advertise Dobot’s new robot.
C To explain VR control technology.
D To predict future robot applications.
解析：选A。A推理判断题。全文通过Dobot的案例（VR操控人形机器人烹饪、股价上涨、技术突破、全球交付）多维度展现中国机器人行业的整体发展。故选A。
