Read the following passage about the evolution of robotics and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answe...

Read the following passage about the evolution of robotics and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 23 to 30.

Man or Machine

        The evolution of robotics has seen remarkable advancements, exemplified by Honda's ASIMO, a humanoid robot showcased at the Museum of Science in 2003. This four-foot-tall robot, resembling a child in an astronaut suit, captivated audiences with its human-like movements, despite being remotely controlled.

        While ASIMO demonstrated impressive engineering, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has focused on creating robots capable of human-like interaction. Kismet, with its expressive facial features, elicits emotional responses from human observers, showcasing the potential for robots to engage in social interactions. Cog, another MIT project, aimed to develop intelligence through environmental interaction, testing theories of embodiment and developmental robotics.

        Scientists differentiate between robots like ASIMO, which are largely pre-programmed, and those like Cog and Kismet, which can learn and adapt. MIT's Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) and Media Lab continue to push the boundaries, creating robots capable of autonomous interaction and learning.

        These developments hold immense potential. Humanoid robots could revolutionize various sectors, from assisting the elderly to performing hazardous tasks such as firefighting and space exploration. In Japan, these robots are envisioned as a solution to an aging population, taking on tasks traditionally carried out by humans.

        However, the creation of human-like robots raises profound questions about humanity. It reflects our innovative spirit and desire to control our environment. Yet, it also reveals a potential dehumanization, suggesting that human companionship and interaction can be replicated by machines. This perspective risks reducing human experience to mere surface behaviors, potentially diminishing the value of genuine human connection. The debate continues, exploring the complex relationship between humans and the machines we create.

(Adapted from Road to Ielts- Reading)

Question 23: Which of the following is NOT mentioned in the passage regarding the potential applications of humanoid robots?

        A. Assisting the elderly.                                 B. Performing hazardous tasks like firefighting.

        C. Replacing human companions entirely.                 D. Space exploration.