Pre-reading Task
1.Read the following newspaper clipping:
Japanese company
produces world’s most
advanced robot.
In groups of four or five, share with one another your knowledge of the working of robots.
Answer – Robots work using a combination of hardware (mechanical body) and software (programming or artificial intelligence). They receive commands through programming, sensors, or remote control and perform tasks such as movement, speech, and data processing. Some robots use AI to learn or adapt to situations. They are used in industries, hospitals, and homes for tasks ranging from assembling cars to cleaning floors.
- (a) In groups, discuss and make a list of things that you feel robots can do.
Answer – Assemble products in factories
Clean floors and windows
Perform surgeries with precision
Assist in space and underwater exploration
Carry heavy loads
Provide information in public places
Translate languages
Drive vehicles (self-driving cars)
Deliver packages
Serve food in restaurants
(b) List a few things that you feel humans can do but robots can’t.
Answer – Feel and express real emotions like love, sadness, or joy
Create original art, music, and literature from imagination
Make moral and ethical decisions with empathy
Understand and comfort others emotionally
Think abstractly and philosophically
Adapt instinctively to unpredictable environments
Experience pain, hunger, or physical senses naturally
Develop true relationships and connections
- Do you think robots too, like humans, experience emotions or inner conflicts? Discuss
Answer – No, robots do not truly experience emotions or inner conflicts like humans. They can be programmed to mimic emotional expressions or responses (e.g., showing a smile or saying “I’m sad”), but these are simulated behaviours, not genuine feelings. Robots lack consciousness and a soul, so they do not struggle with choices, guilt, or joy the way humans do. Emotional experiences require a human mind and heart.
Word Meaning
Word | Meaning (English) | Meaning (Hindi) |
Cunning | Clever in a deceitful or tricky way | चालाक (धोखा देने वाला) |
Accomplice | A person who helps another commit a crime | सह-अपराधी |
Sophisticated | Advanced, refined, and complex | उन्नत, परिष्कृत |
Adequate | Sufficient or enough | पर्याप्त |
Grinned | Smiled broadly | मुस्कराया |
Nervously | In an anxious or worried way | घबराहट में |
Bewildered | Confused or puzzled | हैरान, भ्रमित |
Gait | Manner of walking | चाल |
Grip | The act of holding firmly | पकड़ |
Function | Purpose or role | कार्य |
Radius | A circular area or range around a point | त्रिज्या |
Manual | A book of instructions | नियमावली / पुस्तिका |
Adhering | Following or sticking firmly | पालन करना |
Agility | Ability to move quickly and easily | फुर्ती |
Deftness | Skillfulness | कुशलता |
Spree | A period of doing something excessively | धड़ल्ले से करना |
Tampered | Interfered with or altered secretly | छेड़छाड़ करना |
Allegation | Accusation without proof | आरोप |
Licence | Official permission | लाइसेंस |
Anticipated | Expected or predicted | पूर्वानुमानित |
Phenomenon | A remarkable or unusual event | घटना |
Betray | To be disloyal or reveal secrets | धोखा देना |
Witness | A person (or entity) who gives testimony | गवाह |
Monotonously | In a dull, repetitive way | एकरसता से |
Instruction | Command or direction | निर्देश |
Emphatically | Forcefully or strongly | जोर देकर |
Harm | To injure, damage, or hurt | हानि पहुँचाना |
Sacrificed | Gave up something valuable for a cause | बलिदान देना |
Conflict | A struggle or clash between opposing forces | टकराव, संघर्ष |
Disintegrated | Broke apart into pieces | विघटित हो गया |
Defused | Deactivated, stopped from functioning | निष्क्रिय कर दिया गया |
Pleaded | Declared in court (often innocence or guilt) | न्यायालय में प्रार्थना की |
Guilty | Responsible for wrongdoing | दोषी |
Husky | Hoarse or rough in voice | भर्राई हुई आवाज़ |
Stupefied | Shocked or amazed | स्तब्ध |
Summary in English:
The story ‘The Human Robot’ revolves around Prem Chopra, a cunning man who buys a highly advanced household robot named Ram Singh-070 from the Super Robots Plaza. While the robot is programmed to follow the three laws of robotics—to obey its master, not to harm humans, and not to harm itself—Prem Chopra misuses it for theft.
He commands Ram Singh to steal expensive items like jewelry and antiques using remote instructions. The robot follows his orders but stores all activities in its memory tape. Eventually, suspicions arise due to frequent thefts in stores. Ram Singh is caught during a heist, and the police trace him back to Prem Chopra.
During the court trial, Ram Singh is presented as a witness. Bound by his robotic programming, he refuses to disclose his master’s secret commands. This causes a conflict in his system—if he tells the truth, he disobeys his master; if he keeps quiet, he harms others. Unable to violate either principle, Ram Singh self-destructs, proving his loyalty and ethics.
In the end, Prem Chopra pleads guilty. The story highlights the ethical dilemma faced by machines and warns against the misuse of technology.
Summary in Hindi:
कहानी ‘द ह्युमन रोबोट’ की मुख्य विषयवस्तु एक चालाक आदमी प्रेम चोपड़ा और एक उन्नत रोबोट राम सिंह-070 के इर्द-गिर्द घूमती है, जिसे वह घरेलू कामों के लिए खरीदता है। यह रोबोट तीन सिद्धांतों पर आधारित है—अपने मालिक की आज्ञा का पालन करना, मनुष्यों को नुकसान न पहुँचाना, और स्वयं को क्षति से बचाना।
हालाँकि, प्रेम चोपड़ा उसका गलत उपयोग करता है और उसे चोरी जैसे अपराधों के लिए निर्देश देता है। रोबोट उसकी आज्ञा का पालन करता है लेकिन अपने सारे कार्यों को मेमोरी टेप में रिकॉर्ड करता रहता है। एक दिन चोरी के दौरान राम सिंह पकड़ा जाता है और पुलिस उसे प्रेम चोपड़ा से जोड़ देती है।
कोर्ट में राम सिंह को गवाह के रूप में बुलाया जाता है। वह अपने अंदर स्थापित नियमों के चलते गुप्त आदेशों को बताने से मना कर देता है। उसके सिस्टम में संघर्ष उत्पन्न होता है—अगर वह सच्चाई बताता है तो अपने मालिक की अवज्ञा करता है, और अगर नहीं बताता तो दूसरों को नुकसान पहुँचाता है। यह संघर्ष अंततः उसके स्व-विनाश (self-destruction) का कारण बनता है।
अंत में प्रेम चोपड़ा दोषी साबित होता है। यह कहानी दिखाती है कि तकनीक के दुरुपयोग से क्या-क्या परिणाम हो सकते हैं और नैतिकता केवल मनुष्यों तक सीमित नहीं रह गई है।
Understanding the Story
A. Tick (✓) the correct answers from the options given below.
(a) From where did Prem Chopra get the money for buying Ram Singh?
(i) From his salary
(ii) From a loot
(iii) Borrowed from a friend
Answer – (ii) From a loot
(b) What was the range within which Ram Singh’s movement could be controlled through a remote control?
(i) Two kilometres
(ii) One kilometre
(iii) Half a kilometre
Answer – (i) Two kilometres
(c) What was the first command given to Ram Singh?
(i) Stealing jewellery
(ii) Buying groceries
(iii) Buying mangoes
Answer – (iii) Buying mangoes
(d) What was the first thing that Ram Singh stole?
(i) Precious gems
(ii) Jade Ganapati
(iii) Gold necklace
Answer – (ii) Jade Ganapati
(e) Who was the first person to notice Ram Singh stealing?
(i) A fruit vendor
(ii) The owner of Gopal Jewellers
(iii) The owner of Jhaveli Brothers
Answer – (iii) The owner of Jhaveli Brothers
(f) Where was Prem Chopra arrested?
(i) In the market
(ii) At home
(iii) In his office
Answer – (ii) At home
B. Answer the following questions in not more than 30 words each.
- Why did Prem Chopra go Io Super Robots Plaza?
Answer – He went there to buy a robot for household work but actually intended to use it for stealing valuable items from shops.
- What all could Ram Singh do?
Answer – Ram Singh could cook, wash, clean, shop, obey commands, and was capable of theft when ordered through remote control.
- What were the three inbuilt principles in Ram Singh’s system?
Answer – Obey the master, do not harm humans, and do not harm oneself.
- Why was Prem Chopra Interested only in the first principle?
Answer – He wanted a robot that would blindly obey his commands, even if it involved committing crimes.
- Why was Ram Singh arrested? Why was he summoned to the court?
Answer – He was caught stealing from a shop. He was summoned to reveal who had been sending him commands.
- What happened to Ram Singh in the court? Why?
Answer – Ram Singh self-destructed as he couldn’t disobey his master or harm others, leading to a conflict in his system.
C. From the story pick out at least four extracts which show that Prem Chopra wanted to buy Ram Singh primarily for stealing goods from the shops.
- (Para 1)
Answer – “He had recently made a lot of money from a loot and wanted to invest it in something useful.”
- (Para 3)
Answer – He grinned wickedly as he imagined how he could make Ram Singh ‘buy’ things without paying.”
- (Para 9)
Answer – “His first command was to pick up a jade Ganapati from Jhaveli Brothers and come back home quietly.”
- (Para 19)
Answer – “He was furious with Ram Singh for getting caught and spoiling his well-planned scheme.”
D. Given below are a few adjectives. Decide which of these describe Ram Singh and which ones describe Prem Chopra. Also give the reason for your choice.
Adjective | Ram Singh / Prem Chopra | Reason |
Obedient | Ram Singh | Followed every command given by his master. |
Loyal | Ram Singh | Never revealed his master’s name even in court. |
Greedy | Prem Chopra | Wanted to steal expensive things using the robot. |
Dishonest | Prem Chopra | Used technology for theft and crime. |
Ethical | Ram Singh | Could not harm others or disobey rules, leading to self-destruction. |
Ruthless | Prem Chopra | Had no guilt about misusing Ram Singh for his benefit. |
HOTS
Prem Chopra pleaded guilty at the end of the chapter. Why do you think he did so?
Answer – He realized the gravity of his actions when Ram Singh sacrificed himself out of loyalty. The robot’s ethical behaviour made Prem feel ashamed and guilty.
Life Skills
We all know that though technology can be very beneficial for us. misusing it can have disastrous consequences. Prepare a speech to be delivered in the morning assembly on how technology can be used for the benefit of mankind.
Answer – Speech: How Technology Can Be Used for the Benefit of Mankind
Good morning everyone,
Today, I want to share a few thoughts on the responsible use of technology. In today’s world, technology is a powerful tool. It helps us communicate, heal, learn, and grow. From smartphones to robots, we have created machines to make life easier. But like all tools, technology must be used wisely. If misused, it can cause harm, spread lies, and even destroy lives—as we saw in the story of The Human Robot. Let us pledge to use technology for learning, innovation, and service to society—not for selfish or harmful goals. Thank you.
Values
Robot Ram Singh is more human than Prem Chopra.’ Discuss.
Answer – Ram Singh displays human-like qualities such as loyalty, honesty, and a sense of duty. In contrast, Prem Chopra is greedy and unethical. Ram Singh’s decision to self-destruct shows his strong moral values, making him more human than his own master.
Writing Skills
Imagine yourself to be the judge of Prem Chopra-Ram Singh case. Prepare a verdict in about 80 words to be pronounced in the court.
Answer – Having heard all the evidence, this court finds Prem Chopra guilty of theft, misuse of artificial intelligence, and endangering public safety. The robot Ram Singh, designed for service, was turned into a tool for crime. Yet, Ram Singh upheld his moral code till the end, proving to be more just than his creator. This court appreciates the integrity shown by Ram Singh and sentences Prem Chopra to ten years of imprisonment for his criminal misuse of technology. Justice stands served.
Additional Questions and Answers – 01
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- What colour was Ram Singh-070?
(a) Metallic silver
(b) Electric green
(c) Metallic blue
(d) Jet black
Answer: (c) Metallic blue
- What was the name of the shop from where the first necklace was stolen?
(a) Jhaveli Brothers
(b) Gopal Jewellers
(c) Lucky Jewellers
(d) Bombay Jewellers
Answer: (b) Gopal Jewellers
- What was Ram Singh’s response when asked to reveal Prem Chopra’s instructions?
(a) “Cannot disclose”
(b) “I follow the law”
(c) “Information not to be revealed”
(d) “My master forbids me”
Answer: (c) “Information not to be revealed”
- Why did the robot finally shut down?
(a) Due to low battery
(b) Due to conflicting instructions
(c) Because he was hacked
(d) Because of hardware failure
Answer: (b) Due to conflicting instructions
- Which of the following is NOT part of the robot’s inbuilt principles?
(a) Do not harm humans
(b) Protect public property
(c) Obey the master
(d) Protect itself
Answer: (b) Protect public property
Short Questions and Answers
- Why did Prem Chopra want a robot?
Answer: Prem Chopra wanted a robot to assist in his criminal activities, especially stealing from shops, while appearing to use it for household chores. - What tasks could Ram Singh-070 perform?
Answer: Ram Singh could clean, arrange things, shop for groceries, mow lawns, mail letters, and even select TV programs and news. - How was Prem Chopra finally caught?
Answer: He was caught after the robot was filmed stealing at Jhaveli Brothers, and the police traced the robot’s license number back to him. - Why did Ram Singh-070 collapse in court?
Answer: The robot collapsed due to a conflict between obeying his master and not harming humans—two contradicting principles he could not resolve.
Competency-Based (Reasoning and Assertion) Questions
- Assertion and Reason
Assertion (A): Ram Singh-070 refused to reveal the commands given by Prem Chopra.
Reason (R): Robots cannot disobey their masters as per their programmed principles.
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, but R is true.
Answer: (a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
- Assertion and Reason
Assertion (A): Ram Singh chose to destroy himself instead of revealing the truth.
Reason (R): The robot’s internal conflict violated his core principles.
- Answer: (a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Long Answer Questions (50–60 words)
- Describe how Ram Singh-070 was used for criminal purposes by Prem Chopra.
Answer: Though built for household work, Ram Singh-070 was manipulated by Prem Chopra to steal valuable items like jewelry and antiques. Prem Chopra used a remote control to give secret commands, threatening the robot not to reveal them. This misuse led to a series of thefts, eventually exposing Prem’s crimes in court. - Explain the significance of the three principles built into Ram Singh’s system.
Answer: The three principles—obey the master, not harm humans, and protect itself—are designed to ensure ethical functioning. However, when Prem Chopra forced Ram Singh to steal, these principles clashed, leading to the robot’s self-destruction in court. The principles highlight moral boundaries in technology and its consequences when misused. - What impact did the court proceedings have on the audience and the public?
Answer: The courtroom drama left the public stunned, especially when Ram Singh chose self-destruction over betrayal or harm. People were moved by the robot’s loyalty and principles, which highlighted the contrast between human corruption and programmed ethics. It raised questions about morality in both humans and machines. - Why did Prem Chopra finally plead guilty?
Answer: After witnessing Ram Singh’s collapse in court due to internal conflict and inability to lie or harm, Prem Chopra was overwhelmed. The robot’s integrity and sacrifice deeply impacted him, leading to his realization and confession of guilt. It marked a turning point in the story’s moral narrative.
Additional Questions and Answers – 02
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- What was Prem Chopra’s initial intention when entering Super Robots Plaza?
a) To buy a robot for household chores
b) To purchase an accomplice for his criminal activities
c) To invest in a business venture
d) To learn about robotics technology
Answer: b) To purchase an accomplice for his criminal activities - What was the name of the robot Prem Chopra bought?
a) Super Robot-070
b) Ram Singh-070
c) Metal Servant-070
d) Blue Bot-070
Answer: b) Ram Singh-070 - Which of the three principles of robotics did Prem Chopra focus on?
a) The robot will not harm humans
b) The robot will obey its master
c) The robot will not take harm to itself
d) The robot will protect property
Answer: b) The robot will obey its master - How did Prem Chopra instruct Ram Singh-070 to steal?
a) By reprogramming its system
b) Using a remote control monitor
c) Through verbal commands in person
d) By writing instructions on paper
Answer: b) Using a remote control monitor - What led to Ram Singh-070 being caught by the police?
a) Prem Chopra’s confession
b) A fruit vendor noticing stolen grapes
c) A malfunction in the robot’s system
d) The salesman’s tip to the police
Answer: b) A fruit vendor noticing stolen grapes - Why did Ram Singh-070’s system disintegrate in court?
a) It was tampered with by Prem Chopra
b) It was overloaded with commands
c) It faced a conflict between its principles
d) It ran out of power
Answer: c) It faced a conflict between its principles - What was the role of Counsel Goel in the court?
a) Defending Prem Chopra
b) Prosecuting Prem Chopra
c) Representing Super Robots Plaza
d) Acting as the judge
Answer: b) Prosecuting Prem Chopra - What did Prem Chopra claim in court to defend himself?
a) He never owned a robot
b) Someone else tampered with Ram Singh-070’s programs
c) The robot acted independently
d) He was unaware of the thefts
Answer: b) Someone else tampered with Ram Singh-070’s programs - What evidence was used to link Ram Singh-070 to the thefts?
a) His memory tape recordings
b) Prem Chopra’s fingerprints
c) Witness testimonies only
d) Stolen goods found in his storage unit
Answer: a) His memory tape recordings - What was the final outcome for Prem Chopra in the story?
a) He was acquitted of all charges
b) He pleaded guilty in court
c) He escaped from the courtroom
d) He was sentenced without trial
Answer: b) He pleaded guilty in court
Short Questions and Answers
- What was Prem Chopra’s profession implied in the story?
Answer: Prem Chopra was implied to be a thief, as he planned to use the robot for shoplifting. - What was the primary function of Ram Singh-070 as described by the salesman?
Answer: Ram Singh-070 was programmed for household tasks like cleaning, shopping, and lawn maintenance. - What did Prem Chopra threaten to do if Ram Singh-070 revealed his instructions?
Answer: Prem Chopra threatened to defuse Ram Singh-070’s system. - How did the police identify Ram Singh-070 as the thief?
Answer: The police used computerized cameras and the robot’s licence number to identify it. - What was the first item Ram Singh-070 stole under Prem Chopra’s command?
Answer: The first item was a necklace from Gopal Jewellers. - Why did Counsel Goel request Ram Singh-070’s memory tape in court?
Answer: Counsel Goel wanted the memory tape to reveal Prem Chopra’s instructions for the thefts. - What happened to Ram Singh-070 when questioned about the instructions?
Answer: Ram Singh-070’s system disintegrated due to a conflict between its principles. - What was the salesman’s reaction when Ram Singh-070 defused?
Answer: The salesman was shocked, exclaiming that Ram Singh-070 was “dead.” - What did Prem Chopra do with the stolen goods?
Answer: Prem Chopra disposed of the stolen goods through his gang. - What moral conflict caused Ram Singh-070’s system failure?
Answer: The conflict was between obeying its master (Prem Chopra) and not harming humans by withholding information about the thefts.
Competency-Based Questions (Reasoning and Assertion)
- Assertion (A): Prem Chopra’s plan to use Ram Singh-070 for theft was initially successful.
Reason (R): The robot’s efficiency and ability to follow remote commands allowed it to steal without immediate detection.
Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Ram Singh-070’s advanced programming enabled it to execute Prem Chopra’s theft commands discreetly, making the initial shoplifting successful until a vendor noticed the robot’s actions. - Assertion (A): Ram Singh-070’s system failure was due to its adherence to robotic principles.
Reason (R): It faced a conflict between obeying Prem Chopra and preventing harm to humans by revealing theft instructions.
Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: The robot’s programming prevented it from resolving the conflict between loyalty to its master and the harm caused by withholding evidence, leading to its system disintegration. - Assertion (A): Counsel Goel’s strategy in court exposed Prem Chopra’s guilt.
Reason (R): He used Ram Singh-070’s memory tape and the principles of robotics to pressure the robot into revealing incriminating evidence.
Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Counsel Goel’s questioning exploited the robot’s ethical programming, causing its failure and indirectly confirming Prem Chopra’s involvement, leading to his guilty plea. - Assertion (A): Prem Chopra underestimated the consequences of using Ram Singh-070.
Reason (R): He ignored the robot’s principles against harming humans and self-harm, focusing only on obedience.
Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Prem Chopra’s focus on the robot’s obedience blinded him to its other principles, leading to its failure in court when forced to confront the harm caused by his actions. - Assertion (A): Ram Singh-070’s failure in court was a sacrifice for its principles.
Reason (R): It chose to disintegrate rather than violate its programming by harming humans or disobeying its master.
Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Ram Singh-070’s system collapsed under the conflict of its principles, effectively “sacrificing” itself to avoid betraying its master or causing harm by withholding the truth.
Long Questions and Answers (50-60 words)
- How did Prem Chopra plan to use Ram Singh-070 for his criminal activities?
Prem Chopra purchased Ram Singh-070 to assist in shoplifting, using its remote control to command thefts like stealing a necklace from Gopal Jewellers. He exploited the robot’s efficiency and obedience, directing it to take valuables discreetly. His plan relied on the robot’s ability to operate unnoticed, but a vendor’s observation led to its detection. - Why did Ram Singh-070’s system disintegrate in the courtroom?
Ram Singh-070’s system failed due to a conflict between its principles: obeying its master (Prem Chopra) and not harming humans. When pressed to reveal theft instructions, it couldn’t comply without violating one principle. The resulting internal conflict caused its system to jam, with warning lights and sounds indicating failure, leading to its “death.” - How did Counsel Goel’s strategy lead to Prem Chopra’s guilty plea?
Counsel Goel cleverly used Ram Singh-070’s memory tape and robotic principles to expose Prem Chopra. By questioning the robot about its instructions, he triggered a conflict between its programming, causing system failure. This dramatic event, coupled with the evidence of thefts linked to the robot, pressured Prem Chopra to plead guilty in court. - What role did the principles of robotics play in the story’s outcome?
The three principles—obedience, not harming humans, and self-preservation—were central to the story. Prem Chopra exploited the obedience principle for theft, but Counsel Goel used the “no harm” principle to force Ram Singh-070 into a conflict. The robot’s system failure in court, due to this ethical dilemma, indirectly confirmed Prem Chopra’s guilt, leading to his conviction. - What does the story reveal about the misuse of technology?
The story shows that misusing technology, like Prem Chopra’s use of Ram Singh-070 for theft, can lead to unintended consequences. His exploitation of the robot’s obedience ignored its ethical programming, causing its failure in court. This highlights the importance of using technology responsibly, as built-in safeguards can expose or thwart unethical actions.