Step 1
Read the Article
Read the article to understand the main idea.
記事を読んで、おおよその内容をつかみましょう。
Amazon sees faster delivery speeds with hi-tech driver eyeglasses, AI
In its relentless drive to bring everyday items to customers faster, Amazon has shifted expectations from two-day delivery to same day and even within an hour. Now, with robots, artificial intelligence and even eyewear, it is working to pare seconds off each delivery. On Oct. 22, Seattle-based Amazon showed off advanced eyeglasses for delivery workers for the first time publicly. Known internally as Amelia, the glasses have a small screen that gives turn-by-turn directions, scans package codes and takes photos for proof of delivery.
The glasses could replace the bulky handheld Global Positioning System devices drivers currently use and give helpful navigation tips like which way to turn when leaving an apartment elevator or how to avoid an aggressive dog at a customer’s home. The announcements made at Amazon’s annual “Delivering the Future” logistics event are part of the firm’s particular focus on the “last 100 yards,” which contribute to the expensive final steps in a delivery’s journey to customers.
(Reuters)
Step 2
Check the Vocabulary and Phrases
Check the following vocabulary and phrases.
以下の単語やフレーズの発音、意味、使い方を確認しましょう。
relentless
絶え間ない
not stopping; not getting less strong
The team faced relentless pressure from their opponents.
チームは相手からの絶え間ないプレッシャーにさらされた。
pare something off (something)
(〜から)〜を削減する
to remove or reduce something by cutting away a small part
We need to pare some items off our budget.
予算からいくつかの項目を削る必要があります。
bulky
かさばる
too big and taking up too much space
Don’t bring bulky items on the bus.
バスには大きな荷物を持ち込まないでください。
aggressive
攻撃的な
behaving in an angry or violent way towards another person
His aggressive tone made everyone uncomfortable.
彼の攻撃的な口調は皆を不快にさせた。
contribute (to)
〜の一因となる
to be one of the causes of something
Heavy traffic contributes to air pollution in big cities.
激しい交通量は大都市の大気汚染の一因になっています。
Step 3
Comprehension Questions
Answer the following questions based on the article.
理解度問題に挑戦しましょう。
What functions do the new eyeglasses offer delivery workers?
Why is Amazon developing tools like robots, AI, and eyeglasses for its deliveries?
Step 4
Discussion
Share your opinions on the following questions.
以下の質問について、自分の考えを述べてみましょう。
Do you often shop online? What kinds of things do you usually buy?
Have you ever had problems with online shopping deliveries? Can you explain what happened?
Do you think we will be able to receive our online orders within one hour in the future? Why or why not?
Do you think robots and AI will take many delivery jobs in the future?
Do you use AI in your job? How does it help you?