阅读理解。
TOKYO-Imagine a bicycle seat connected by mechanical frames (机械支架) to a pair of shoes for
an idea of how the new wearable assisted-walking machine from Honda works.
The experimental machine, showed on Friday, is designed to support bodyweight, reduce stress on
the knees and help people organize steps and stay in crouching (蹲坐) positions.Honda showed a video
of its employees wearing the machine.
Engineer Jun Ashihara also said the machine is useful for people standing in long lines and to people
who run around to make deliveries.
"This should be as easy to use as a bicycle," Ashihara said. "It reduces stress, and you should feel
less tired."
To wear it, you put the seat between your legs, put on the shoes and push the "on" button.Then just
start walking around.
In a test run for media, this reporter found it does take some time to get used to the machine. "I
could sense how it supported my moves, pushing up on my bottom when I crouched and pushing at my
soles (脚底) to help lift my legs when I walked," he said.
The system has a computer, a motor, gears (齿轮), batteries and sensors in it, so it responds to a
person's movements, according to Honda Motor Co.
Pricing and commercial product plans are still undecided. Japan's No.2 automaker will begin testing
a prototype (模型) later this month.
The need for such mechanical help is expected to grow in Japan, which has one of the most rapidly
aging societies in the world.
Other companies are also eyeing the potentially attractive market of helping the weak and the old get
around. Japan is among the world's leading nations in robotics technology, not only for industrial use but
also for entertainment and companionship.
1. Honda's new wearable assisted-walking machine is mainly to _____.
A. show Honda's power in technology
B. protect the environment
C. meet the social needs in the future
D. improve social progress
2. According to the passage, the power of the new wearable assisted-walking machine is from _____.
A. manpower
B. batteries
C. a computer
D. the machine movement
3. It can be learned from the passage that _____.
A. the new machine has been produced m large numbers
B. Honda will control the future market for the new machine
C. the price of Honda's new machine will be very low
D. the future market for the new machine will be promising
4. What would be the best title for the passage?
A. Wearable machine that helps walk
B. Hondo's new bicycle for the old
C. Wearable machine helps go to work
D. New development of the bicycle
