ESL lesson plan | | Do we really need humanoid robots?

1. Warm-up discussion

Discuss these questions:

What are your initial thoughts on humanoid robots being used in homes? What are the potential benefits and drawbacks?
The video mentions the possibility of a human "pulling the robot strings" via tele-operation. Would you be comfortable with a robot housekeeper that might be remotely operated by a human, potentially peering into your home?
What household chores do you think robots could realistically do in the near future? What tasks do you believe would be too complex or too personal for a robot?

2. Listening: Neo, the Humanoid Robot Housekeeper

Watch the first part of the video (0:00 - 0:35) and fill in the gaps with the exact words you hear.

It's here, the first robot housekeeper. For $20,000, you can 1X's Neo robot now, with in 2026. Just one little catch. There may be a human behind the curtain the robot strings. A company representative may need to into your house via Neo's camera eyes to get things done.

3. Key vocabulary from the video

Drag the terms from the word bank to match them with their correct definitions.

Humanoid

Pre-order

Tele-operation

Autonomous

Dexterity

Inner sanctum

Having an appearance or characteristics resembling a human.

To order (an item) before it is available for general sale.

The operation of a machine or apparatus from a distance.

(Of a device or system) operating independently without human intervention.

Skill in performing tasks, especially with the hands.

A private place that is considered to be very special and important by the person who owns it.

4. Grammar focus: Future Simple Passive

We use the Future Simple Passive to talk about actions that will be performed in the future when the agent (the person or thing doing the action) is unknown, unimportant, or obvious from the context, or when we want to focus on the action or the receiver of the action.

Structure: will be + past participle (of the main verb)

Example (Active): "1X will deliver the Neo robots in 2026."

Example (Passive): "The Neo robots will be delivered in 2026."

Choose the correct option to complete the sentences:

1. The Neo robot ______ to customers starting in 2026.

will deliver

will be delivered

2. Many household tasks ______ by the robot autonomously in the future.

will be done

will do

3. Privacy concerns ______ seriously by the company when developing these robots.

will address

will be addressed

4. New AI models ______ to make the robots fully autonomous.

will be developed

will develop

5. Customer data ______ to improve the product's performance, according to the company.

will be used

will use

6. No-go zones for the robot ______ by users to protect their privacy.

will set

will be set

5. Grammar practice: Active to Future Passive

Rewrite the following active sentences into the Future Simple Passive. Remember to use "will be + past participle".

1. (Active) The company will release a new model next year.
(Passive)

2. (Active) Early adopters will train the AI.
(Passive)

3. (Active) Humans will operate some robots remotely.
(Passive)

6. Speaking practice: The future of robots

Discuss these questions with a partner. Use the vocabulary and grammar from this lesson.

Do you think humanoid robots will significantly improve our quality of life in the future? In what ways will our lives be changed?
The video mentions "robotics slop" – meaning tasks done imperfectly but still usefully. Are you okay with "robotic slop" in your home, for example, a shirt being folded imperfectly? Why or why not?
What ethical concerns, if any, do you have about robots being able to "peer into your house" or collecting "training data" from your "inner sanctum"? How do you think these concerns will be addressed?