レッスンを予約する
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。
Self-driving bus runs on public roads in greater Tokyo for first time
A research team at the University of Tokyo began testing a Level 4 autonomous driving bus on public roads in the Tokyo metropolitan area for the first time on Jan. 13.
Levels of automation are measured between 1 to 5, with Level 1 referring to technologies that assist a driver, such as adaptive cruise control, while Level 5 is complete automation.
As part of their research, the team has been testing a Level 2 bus — partially automated driving — on the route that connects the university’s Kashiwa campus to its nearest station, Kashiwanoha-campus Station, since the end of 2019.
Starting Jan. 13, the bus began travel through a section of the 2.6 kilometer route — approximately 700 meters — with Level 4 automation, which refers to driverless operation within a defined area. The rest of the route will remain Level 2, requiring a driver.
This is the first time a Level 4 vehicle has been employed on public roads in the Tokyo metropolitan area. Four round trips are scheduled to be made per day and will begin operating three days a week, available for use by students and those affiliated with the university.
(The Japan Times)
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。
automation
自動化
the use of machines and computers to do work that was previously done by people
Automation has made factory work faster and more efficient.
自動化によって、工場の仕事はより速く、より効率的になりました。
adaptive
（新しい環境や状況などに）適応できる、順応できる
connected with changing; able to change when necessary in order to deal with different situations
The software has an adaptive design that changes to fit different screen sizes.
そのソフトウェアは、さまざまな画面サイズに合わせて変わる適応型のデザインを持っています。
defined
境界が明確な
clearly shaped or easy to see
The park has clearly defined paths that help visitors stay within safe areas.
その公園には、訪問者が安全な区域内にとどまれるよう、はっきりと区切られた小道があります。
round trip
往復
a journey to a place and back again
I bought a round-trip ticket from Tokyo to Osaka.
私は東京から大阪までの往復チケットを買いました。
affiliated
関連のある、提携している
closely connected to or controlled by a group or an organization
The hospital is affiliated with a medical school and helps train new doctors.
その病院は医学部と提携しており、新しい医師の育成を手伝っています。
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。
How does the research team explain the different levels of self-driving vehicles?
Where has the highest level of self-driving vehicle been introduced so far?
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。
What do you think about self-driving buses running on public roads? Have you ever seen or used one?
How might self-driving buses could change public transportation in your city or country?
Would you like to ride in a fully automated vehicle? Why or why not?
Have you ever felt safe or unsafe while using public transportation? Can you describe your experience?
Do you think new traffic rules are needed for self-driving vehicles? Why or why not?