--- title: "Interpret: British survey on robots" subject: "Communication English" chapter: 1 key: "semester_5/communication_english:interpret-robots-british-survey" source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_5/communication_english/interpret-robots-british-survey site: BCT Engineering --- # Interpret: British survey on robots Communication English · Chapter 1: Intensive Reading - Asked in: 2069 Chaitra, 5 marks - Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14 - Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_5/communication_english/interpret-robots-british-survey - Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_5/communication_english/chapter-1 ## Question Read the following text carefully and interpret it so as to make the meaning clear: A British survey found that 44 percent of the firms, which started to use robots, met with initial failure and 22 percent abandoned them altogether, mainly because of inadequate technological knowhow and skills at all plant levels. ## Short answer A British survey found that 44% of firms using robots had initial failure and 22% abandoned them, mainly due to inadequate technological knowhow and skills at all plant levels. Success requires trained personnel, not just machines. ## Answer The sentence reports the result of a British survey on the use of robots in industry and the main reason why many firms failed. #### Explanation - **Survey result.** Among the firms that began to use robots, 44 percent had an unsuccessful start. A further 22 percent gave up using robots completely. - **Meaning of "initial failure".** The robots did not work properly or did not give the expected results in the first stage of use. - **Cause.** The main reason was a lack of technological knowhow and skills "at all plant levels". That is, managers, engineers and workers were not adequately trained to install, operate and maintain robots. - **Implication.** Machines alone do not guarantee success. Introducing new technology requires trained people at every level of the organisation. #### Message Many firms failed with robots not because the machines were poor but because the people using them lacked the necessary knowledge and skills. Training should come before or along with automation. ## Check yourself The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why. 1. According to the survey, what share of firms that started using robots abandoned them altogether? A. 44 percent B. 22 percent C. 66 percent D. Only a few firms, not given as a percentage Answer: B. 44 percent met initial failure and a further 22 percent gave up robots completely. (Key point: Survey result) 2. What was the main reason for the failures? A. The robots were too expensive to buy B. The robots were poorly made C. Workers refused to work with machines D. Inadequate technological knowhow and skills at all plant levels Answer: D. The reason given is lack of knowhow and skills among managers, engineers and workers, not the quality of the machines. (Key point: Main cause) 3. What does 'initial failure' mean here? A. The robots failed only after many years B. The robots did not work properly or give expected results in the first stage of use C. The firms never bought robots D. The robots were destroyed in accidents Answer: B. 'Initial' means the first stage of use, when results did not meet expectations. (Key point: Meaning of initial failure) 4. What is the main message of the text? A. Robots should never be used in industry B. Machines alone guarantee success C. Only engineers need training D. New technology needs trained people at every level to succeed Answer: D. Machines alone do not guarantee success; training should come before or along with automation. 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