On September 14, the official video channel of the Shanghai Theatre Academy released a video announcing that “Xueba 01”, China’s first robot doctoral student, had completed its enrollment procedures, received its student ID card, and interacted with Pan Tao, a renowned news anchor and host of CCTV’s “Xinwen Lianbo”, who is also a new doctoral student in Digital Media Performance Art for the 2025 intake.

In the video, Pan Tao and “Xueba 01” shook hands and introduced themselves. “Xueba 01” jokingly said, “Feel free to reach out if you have any questions — but remember, I’m a doctoral student, not a robot!” Pan Tao responded with amazement, “Its reactions are incredibly swift. We exchanged words and even eye contact — beyond what I had imagined.”

“Xueba 01” also told Pan Tao, “No matter who we are, we’re all doing our part to build the future of theatre and film. Let’s work hard together and stay true to our passion!”

The video also showed “Xueba 01” receiving its student ID, interacting with teachers and students on site, ordering fish-flavored pork slices in the canteen, and joining classmates on the basketball court.

According to earlier media reports, at the 2025 World Artificial Intelligence Conference held in July, Xie Wei from the Shanghai Theatre Academy, presented the admission letter to “Xueba 01,” officially admitting it as a full-time doctoral student in the Digital Performance Design program under the Department of Stage Design, focusing on Theatre and Film Studies. The program spans four years.

“Xueba 01’s” enrollment is part of China’s first high-level talent initiative launched jointly by the Shanghai Theatre Academy and the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, aimed at integrating robotics with art and technology. The two universities will leverage their respective academic strengths to establish a dual-supervision system combining art and technology. “Xueba 01” will be co-supervised by an art advisor (Professor Yang Qingqing from the Shanghai Theatre Academy) and a technology advisor (Professor Li Qingdu from the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology). Together, they will design the robot’s developmental path and competency framework (能力图谱), incorporating multiple training modules including foundation, art, system, and task-based components.

1. 1.Why did Pan Tao feel surprised during the interaction?

A    The robot told a joke.

B    The robot responded quickly.

C    The robot shook hands firmly.

D    The robot sang a song.

2. 2.Which activity was NOT shown about “Xueba 01” in the video?

A    Eating in the canteen.

B    Playing basketball.

C    Giving a speech.

D    Receiving a student ID.

3. 3.Which of the following is TRUE about “Xueba 01’s” study program?

A    It will last for three years.

B    It focuses on news broadcasting.

C    It combines art and technology.

D    It was started by a single professor.

4. 4.The underlined word “leverage” in the last paragraph most probably means ______.

A    create separately

B    repeat again

C    search for

D    make use of