Before you read the passage, talk about these questions.

1 Why do companies use automation?

2 How has automation advanced recently?

Reading

Read the investor report on World Industries. Then, choose the correct answers.

1 What is the main idea of the report?

A why World Industries has slowed production

В how World Industries has improved its automation

С why World Industries should invest in automation

D where World Industries is building a new automation system

2 What does NOT protect the efficiency of an automation system?

A low latency

В high redundancy

С high fault tolerant

D low network speeds

3 What can you infer about a machine with low redundancy?

A It is difficult to replace.

B it is in a closed system.

С Its oscilloscope is broken.

D Its latency time is too low.

Vocabulary

Match the words (1-7) with the definitions (A-G).

1_Ethernet network                5_automation

2 _ fault tolerant                     6_open system

 

3 _ priority inversion              7_ computer aided manufacturing

4 _ encoder

A a device that relays mechanical data to a network

В the ability to continue functioning after an error

С this links computers together at high speeds

D the use of machines to perform tasks without human assistance

E a system that can use many different types of machines

F the use of programs to control machines that manufacture products

G a software problem that can lower production

4. Fill in the blanks with the correct words:

oscilloscope, integrated circuit, latency time, redundancy, embedded systems.

1 Check the _________ to see if this machine is working correctly.

2A(n) ________ is very small but has several devices attached to it.

3 If the _______ on the machine is too long, it might need a new processor.

4 This factory has low __________, so it doesn't replace machines quickly.

5 The _________ uses the newest software and hardware.

Listen and read the investor report on World Industries again. What do World Industries claim about their software?

Listening

Listen to the conversation about solving an automation problem. Check (/) the items the engineers investigate.

1 □ priority inversions

2 □ Ethernet network connections

3 □ fault tolerant

4 □ latency

7. Listen again and complete the conversation.

Engineer 1: Lets 1 _____ _____ ______. Take a look at that conveyor belt moving the soda bottles forward. 2 _____ _____?

Engineer 2: Yeah, it looks a little jerky.

Engineer 1: Lef s 3 _____ _____ _____ at the oscilloscope pattern.

Engineer 2: Yeah, something is definitely wrong.

Engineer 1: Very good. 4 _____ _____ on how to fix it?

Engineer 2: How about checking the 5 _____ _____. Maybe the computer can't communicate.

Engineer 1: Good idea. Let's check it out. Does this computer log look normal to you?

Engineer 2: Well, the Ethernet connection is fine, but 6 _____ ____ _____.

 

Speaking

With a partner, act out the roles below based on Task 7. Then, switch roles.

USE LANGUAGE SUCH AS:

It looks a little jerky.

Do you have any ideas on how to fix it?

Does this computer log look normal to you?

You are an engineer. Help Student В identify a problem. Ask about:

• what the problem is • possible solutions

Student B: You are an engineer. Answer Student A's questions.

Writing

9. You are going to invest in a company that uses automation. Use the report and conversation from Task 8 to write a letter to a friend explaining why it is a good investment (120-150 words). Make up a name for your friend. Talk about:

• What automated systems the company has

• How automation improves the business

• How the company protects and repairs the system

 

 

Telecommuting

1) Telecommute

2) Gallery

3) Basecamp

4) Color coding

5) Message board

 

Mr. Tobin,

I'm writing to you today on behalf of several employees with a request to start a telecommuting program here at Zone Solutions. To do so will require changes, but they would ultimately benefit our company.

I suggest that we invest in Basecamp®. Ifs a web-based software package. Regardless of where we're working, it will increase productivity. Basically, we would centralize all projects, communication and updates.

Basecamp® opens in any browser, so employees can use it from home or the office. And it's easy to navigate, so there's no training required. Color-coding identifies different projects. The dashboard displays recently accessed files, so we can all see what is being worked on. The project gallery allows everyone to toggle quickly between files. And a message board is updated in real time to facilitate rapid exchanges.

In addition to Basecamp®, free Skype™ software can be downloaded for any communications that require speaking person to person. We can have conference calls with clients around the world without even needing a phone. Should you require specific details, I would be happy to discuss the issue with you. Additionally, both Backpack® and Skype™ offer tours with detailed information about their products.

look forward to your response.

Sincerely, Erica RoSin

 Erica Robin

Get ready!