II. READING

TASK 1. Read the following passage and choose the correct answer A, B, C or D.

Honda engineers have been busy creating the ASIMO robot for more than 20 years. ASIMO is the most advanced humanoid robot in the world. It can walk, climb stairs, understand preprogrammed gestures and spoken commands, recognize voices and faces. ASIMO has arms and hands so it can do things like turn on lights, open doors, carry objects, and push carts.

Rather than building a robot that would be another toy, Honda wants to create a robot that would be a helper for people – a robot to help around the house, help the elderly, or help someone confined to a wheelchair or bed. ASIMO is 1.3 meters high, which is just the right height to look eye to eye with someone seated in a chair. ASIMO could also do jobs that are dangerous for humans to do, like going into hazardous areas, or fighting fires.

How long have Honda engineers been creating the ASIMO robot?