News by Levels · Level 1 · Student worksheet

A Virtual Robot Learns More From a Warning

In this lesson: Identify the test setting and how people gave instructions.

Name: __________________________ Date: __________________

Read the story

MIT and New York University researchers tested a system called FLEX in computer simulations. People typed instructions for a virtual robot arm.

A warning about spilling coffee on a laptop helped the robot avoid other electronics too. These tests do not show that a real home robot is ready.

Source: MIT News, 2026-11-09. https://news.mit.edu/2026/ai-assisted-learning-platform-helps-robots-reason-beyond-literal-commands-1109

Read and practise

1. Where did the tests take place?

   1. In a physical robotics laboratory
   2. In computer simulations
   3. In ordinary family kitchens

2. How did people give instructions?

   1. By typing
   2. By speaking instructions aloud
   3. By making hand gestures

Your turn

Describe one warning and the virtual robot’s response.

________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________

Read online: https://newsbylevels.com/news/mit-flex-robot-language-simulation-november-2026/level-1/