This post gives some useful expressions about the topic "Our Robotic Companions"

PHRASE GUIDE FOR SUBQUESTION 1: Setting aside all technical limits, what is the one primary function you would want your household robot to perform?

🔵 Level 1: Basic Expressions (Simple Words and Ideas)
This level uses very common words and straightforward sentences. It is for making clear, basic points.

Vocabulary:

1.         Do: To perform an action.
Example: I want it to do the cleaning.

2.         Cook: To prepare food by heating it.
Example: Its main job should be to cook dinner.

3.         Clean: To make something tidy and free from dirt.
Example: I need a robot that can clean the floors.

4.         Help with: To give assistance for a task.
Example: It must help with the laundry.

5.         Take care of: To be responsible for something.
Example: It should take care of my pet when I'm away.

6.         Make: To create or produce something.
Example: It could make my bed every morning.

Phrases:
7. The most important thing: The highest priority.
Example: The most important thing is keeping the house safe.
8. I really want: A strong expression of desire.
Example: I really want it to water my plants.

Sentence Structures:
9. I would like my robot to [verb]...
Example: I would like my robot to wash the dishes.
10. It should be able to [verb]...
Example: It should be able to answer the door.

🟡 Level 2: Intermediate Expressions (More Specific Ideas)
This level uses more precise vocabulary and connects ideas. It is for giving clearer reasons and details.

Vocabulary:

1.         Manage: To organize or be in charge of something.
Example: I wish for it to manage my daily schedule and appointments.

2.         Handle: To deal with or control a situation.
Example: Its primary function must be to handle all grocery shopping.

3.         Automate: To make a process run by machines without human help.
Example: I choose to automate the control of lights and temperature in my home.

4.         Provide: To give or supply something.
Example: The key function should be to provide companionship for the elderly.

5.         Organize: To arrange things in a systematic order.
Example: I need it to organize my closet and pick my clothes.

6.         Monitor: To watch and check something over time.
Example: Its main role could be to monitor the health of my family.

Phrases:
7. Be responsible for: To have the duty of doing something.
Example: I want it to be responsible for home security.
8. The core function: The central and most important purpose.
Example: The core function, for me, is tutoring my children in math.

Sentence Structures:
9. My top priority is for it to [verb]... because...
Example: My top priority is for it to prepare healthy meals because I am too busy to cook.
10. Ideally, it would [verb]... as its main task.
Example: Ideally, it would repair broken items around the house as its main task.

🔴 Level 3: Advanced Expressions (Nuanced and Complex Ideas)
This level uses sophisticated vocabulary to express abstract or complex concepts. It is for detailed and thoughtful discussion.

Vocabulary:

1.         Orchestrate: To carefully organize a complicated plan or event.
Example: I envision it to orchestrate all home maintenance tasks before problems occur.

2.         Seamlessly integrate: To combine different parts smoothly so they work well together.
Example: Its foremost function should be to seamlessly integrate and manage all smart devices.

3.         Cultivate: To try to develop and improve something.
Example: I desire it to cultivate a personalized indoor garden for fresh food.

4.         Transcend: To go beyond usual limits.
Example: I hope its function can transcend chores and include creative family activity planning.

5.         Optimize: To make something as effective as possible.
Example: The primary function must be to optimize energy usage in the house for savings.

6.         Mediate: To help solve disagreements between parties.
Example: A unique function could be to mediate minor disputes by suggesting fair solutions.

Phrases:
7. Act as a safeguard against: To serve as protection from something harmful.
Example: I want it to act as a safeguard against loneliness by initiating meaningful conversations.
8. Center around the concept of: To have as its main idea.
Example: Its design should center around the concept of proactive health management.

Sentence Structures:
9. Beyond mere task execution, I would prioritize a function that [verbs]...
Example: Beyond mere task execution, I would prioritize a function that learns my stress patterns and creates a calming environment.
10. Rather than performing a single chore, its fundamental purpose should be to [verb]...
Example: Rather than performing a single chore, its fundamental purpose should be to enhance the overall cognitive and emotional well-being of the household.

PHRASE GUIDE FOR SUBQUESTION 2: Explain the main reason behind your choice. Does it aim to save you precious time, provide physical assistance, enhance your home's safety, or address another core need?

🔵 Level 1: Basic Expressions (Simple Words and Ideas)
This level uses very common words to explain simple reasons. It is for sharing clear, basic thoughts.

Vocabulary:

1.     Save: To keep time or effort from being wasted.
Example: The main reason is to save time every morning.

2.     Need: Something that is necessary.
Example: It addresses my basic need for clean clothes.

3.     Easy: Not difficult.
Example: This function makes daily life much easier.

4.     Hard: Difficult to do.
Example: Some chores are hard for me, so I need help.

5.     Safe: Free from danger or risk.
Example: My choice is for safety, to watch the house.

6.     More: A greater amount.
Example: I want more free time for my family.

Phrases:
7. Give me more time: To free up time for other activities.
Example: A cooking robot would give me more time to relax.
8. Because I am busy: A simple reason about lack of time.
Example: I chose this because I am very busy with work.

Sentence Structures:
9. I chose this because it can [verb]...
Example: I chose this because it can help my grandparents.
10. This is important to me because...
Example: This is important to me because a clean home makes me happy.

🟡 Level 2: Intermediate Expressions (More Specific Reasons)
This level uses more precise vocabulary to explain deeper reasons and connect ideas.

Vocabulary:

1.     Prioritize: To treat something as more important.
Example: I prioritize efficiency in my routine.

2.     Alleviate: To make a problem less severe.
Example: It would alleviate the physical strain of cleaning.

3.     Address: To give attention to a problem or need.
Example: My choice directly addresses my concern for security.

4.     Value: To consider something important.
Example: I highly value peace of mind in my own home.

5.     Foundation: The basic idea or most important part.
Example: The foundation of my choice is convenience.

6.     Freedom: The power to do what you want.
Example: This function would give me freedom from boring tasks.

Phrases:
7. Free up mental space: To reduce worry or mental effort.
Example: Automating bills would free up mental space for creative work.
8. Stem from: To originate or come from a source.
Example: My reason stems from a recent stressful experience.

Sentence Structures:
9. The underlying reason is that...
Example: The underlying reason is that I often feel overwhelmed by chores.
10. This goes beyond simple convenience; it is about [noun/gerund]...
Example: This goes beyond simple convenience; it is about ensuring my family's comfort.

🔴 Level 3: Advanced Expressions (Nuanced and Complex Reasoning)
This level uses sophisticated vocabulary to express abstract motivations, values, and complex cause-and-effect.

Vocabulary:

1.     Catalyst: Something that causes an important change.
Example: I see this function as a catalyst for a healthier lifestyle.

2.     Inherently: In a permanent and essential way.
Example: The task is inherently tedious and demotivating.

3.     Autonomy: The state of acting independently.
Example: The core reason is to restore my autonomy as I age.

4.     Sustainability: The ability to continue without causing damage.
Example: My motivation is rooted in environmental sustainability.

5.     Paramount: More important than anything else.
Example: Preventive safety is of paramount importance to me.

6.     Reclaim: To get back something lost.
Example: This would allow me to reclaim hours for personal growth.

Phrases:
7. Is fundamentally linked to: Is deeply connected to.
Example: This choice is fundamentally linked to my philosophy of mindful living.
8. Serves a dual purpose of: Has two main functions or benefits.
Example: It serves a dual purpose of providing practical aid and emotional reassurance.

Sentence Structures:
9. My rationale extends beyond practicality to encompass [abstract noun]...
Example: My rationale extends beyond practicality to encompass psychological well-being.
10. This is less about the task itself and more about what it enables: [sentence].
Example: This is less about the task itself and more about what it enables: deeper family connections.

PHRASE GUIDE FOR SUBQUESTION 3: Many functions require the robot to learn your habits and preferences. For the function you chose, what level of personal data access or home integration would you be comfortable with? Would any concerns make you hesitate?

🔵 Level 1: Basic Expressions (Simple Words and Ideas)
This level uses common words to talk about simple feelings on privacy and permission.

Vocabulary:

1.         Know: To have information about something.
Example: I am okay if it knows my cooking schedule.

2.         See: To use its cameras or sensors to look.
Example: It should not see inside the bathroom.

3.         Hear: To use its microphones to listen.
Example: Can it hear our conversations? That worries me.

4.         Use: To employ something for a purpose.
Example: It can use my shopping list to buy food.

5.         Stop: To not allow something to happen.
Example: I would stop it from entering my private room.

6.         Trust: To believe someone or something is good and safe.
Example: I do not fully trust a machine with this data.

Phrases:
7. I am okay with: I accept or allow this.
Example: I am okay with it knowing which lights I use.
8. That is too much: That is more than I can accept.
Example: Tracking my sleep is too much for me.

Sentence Structures:
9. I would let it [verb]... but not [verb]...
Example: I would let it learn my TV habits but not record my calls.
10. It should only [verb] what is necessary.
Example: It should only remember what is necessary for cleaning.

🟡 Level 2: Intermediate Expressions (Setting Conditions and Boundaries)
This level uses more specific vocabulary to set rules, explain conditions, and discuss common concerns.

Vocabulary:

1.         Access: The permission or ability to use or see something.
Example: I would limit its access to my financial documents.

2.         Balance: A state where different things are in the correct amount.
Example: We must find a balance between help and privacy.

3.         Share: To allow someone else to use or have something.
Example: I would share my calendar but not my messages.

4.         Control: The power to decide what something does.
Example: I need full control over what data it collects.

5.         Risk: The possibility of something bad happening.
Example: The main risk is data being stolen or sold.

6.         Essential: Extremely important and necessary.
Example: Only data essential for its function is acceptable.

Phrases:
7. On a daily basis: For everyday routine activities.
Example: Learning my daily routine on a daily basis is fine.
8. Under no circumstances: Never, for any reason.
Example: Under no circumstances should it make decisions without asking me.

Sentence Structures:
9. My comfort depends on how [adjective] the [noun] is.
Example: My comfort depends on how secure the data storage is.
10. I would accept this only if I could [verb]...
Example: I would accept home integration only if I could turn it off easily.

🔴 Level 3: Advanced Expressions (Analyzing Complex Trade-offs and Ethical Concerns)
This level uses sophisticated vocabulary to discuss abstract concepts like ethics, autonomy, and complex risk assessment.

Vocabulary:

1.         Intrusion: Something that disturbs or interrupts in an unwanted way.
Example: Any monitoring in private spaces feels like an intrusion.

2.         Surveillance: The careful watching of a person or place.
Example: Continuous surveillance for safety creates a paradox of feeling watched.

3.         Transparency: The quality of being open and clear about actions.
Example: Complete transparency in how data is used is non-negotiable.

4.         Consent: Permission for something to happen.
Example: It must operate on a model of explicit, ongoing consent.

5.         Autonomy: The right to make your own decisions.
Example: I fear it could subtly undermine my household's autonomy.

6.         Mitigate: To make something less harmful or bad.
Example: Strong encryption is needed to mitigate security risks.

Phrases:
7. A trade-off between: A situation where you accept a disadvantage to get a benefit.
Example: It's a constant trade-off between personalized service and data exposure.
8. Raises ethical red flags: Causes concern about what is morally right.
Example: A robot that learns emotional patterns raises ethical red flags for me.

Sentence Structures:
9. While I appreciate the utility, my hesitation stems from the potential for [noun]...
Example: While I appreciate the utility, my hesitation stems from the potential for algorithmic bias.
10. The tipping point for me would be if the integration required [noun/gerund]...
Example: The tipping point for me would be if the integration required a constant internet connection to an external server.

PHRASE GUIDE FOR SUBQUESTION 4: Imagine this robot perfectly performs its primary function for you for a year. How do you think this would change one of your daily routines or your personal well-being?

🔵 Level 1: Basic Expressions (Simple Words and Ideas)
This level uses very common words to describe simple changes in daily life or feelings.

Vocabulary:

1.     Different: Not the same as before.
Example: My morning routine would be very different.

2.     Better: Of a higher quality or more enjoyable.
Example: I think my life would be better with less stress.

3.     Start: To begin doing something.
Example: I could start my day later.

4.     Finish: To complete something.
Example: I could finish work on time more often.

5.     Feel: To experience an emotion.
Example: I would feel more relaxed in the evening.

6.     Spend: To use time doing something.
Example: I could spend more hours on my hobby.

Phrases:
7. Have more time: To possess extra time.
Example: I would have more time for breakfast.
8. Feel less tired: To experience reduced fatigue.
Example: I would feel less tired after work.

Sentence Structures:
9. My [time of day, e.g., evening] would change because...
Example: My evening would change because I wouldn't need to cook.
10. I would probably [verb] more often.
Example: I would probably exercise more often.

🟡 Level 2: Intermediate Expressions (Describing Specific Shifts and Benefits)
This level uses more descriptive vocabulary to explain clear changes in habits, quality of life, and personal state.

Vocabulary:

1.     Transform: To change completely.
Example: It would transform my chaotic mornings into calm ones.

2.     Redistribute: To share time or effort in a new way.
Example: I could redistribute my energy to more creative projects.

3.     Foundation: The base on which something is built.
Example: Reliable help would create a foundation for a less anxious mind.

4.     Consistent: Happening in the same way over time.
Example: I could finally have a consistent sleep schedule.

5.     Dread: To anticipate with great fear or dislike.
Example: I would no longer dread coming home to chores.

6.     Reallocate: To assign resources to a different purpose.
Example: I could reallocate my mental focus to my studies.

Phrases:
7. A significant shift in: An important change.
Example: There would be a significant shift in how I manage my weekends.
8. Free up mental energy: To make worry or planning effort available.
Example: It would free up mental energy for more important decisions.

Sentence Structures:
9. The most notable change would be in my ability to [verb]...
Example: The most notable change would be in my ability to be fully present with my family.
10. Rather than [verbing]..., I could focus on [verbing]...
Example: Rather than worrying about groceries, I could focus on meal planning for health.

🔴 Level 3: Advanced Expressions (Articulating Profound and Holistic Impact)
This level uses nuanced vocabulary to describe deep, interconnected changes in lifestyle, mindset, and overall well-being.

Vocabulary:

1.     Catalyst: An agent that causes significant change.
Example: This robot would act as a catalyst for a holistic lifestyle redesign.

2.     Disrupt: To interrupt and change a traditional pattern.
Example: It would positively disrupt my work-life balance paradigm.

3.     Cumulative: Increasing by successive additions over time.
Example: The cumulative effect of daily time savings would be profound.

4.     Augment: To make greater by adding to it.
Example: It would augment my capacity for deep work and learning.

5.     Alleviate: To make suffering less severe.
Example: It would alleviate the chronic low-level stress of domestic management.

6.     Paradigm: A typical example or pattern of something.
Example: My entire paradigm of "home maintenance" would shift from chore to choice.

Phrases:
7. Ripple effect on: A spreading series of consequences.
Example: The change would have a positive ripple effect on my personal relationships.
8. Holistic well-being: The state of being healthy in mind, body, and overall life.
Example: The greatest impact would be on my holistic well-being, not just my schedule.

Sentence Structures:
9. Beyond the obvious practical change, it would fundamentally alter my relationship with [concept]...
Example: Beyond the obvious practical change, it would fundamentally alter my relationship with time and productivity.
10. The year-long consistency would likely cultivate a deeper sense of [abstract noun]...
Example: The year-long consistency would likely cultivate a deeper sense of control and contentment.

PHRASE GUIDE FOR SUBQUESTION 5: Think 20 years ahead. If most homes had a robot with your chosen primary function, how might this impact family dynamics or community life in a broader sense?

🔵 Level 1: Basic Expressions (Simple Words and Ideas)
This level uses very common words to talk about simple future effects on family and neighbors.

Vocabulary:

1.     Affect: To have an influence on something.
Example: Robots could affect how families eat dinner together.

2.     Home: The place where a family lives.
Example: Life at home might become more peaceful.

3.     Kids: Children.
Example: Kids might play more with robots than with friends.

4.     Parents: Mothers and fathers.
Example: Parents could have more free time for their children.

5.     Talk: To speak with others.
Example: People might talk less with neighbors if robots do everything.

6.     Community: A group of people living in the same area.
Example: The community could become less close.

Phrases:
7. Spend time together: To do activities as a group.
Example: Families may spend more time together on fun things.
8. Help each other: To give assistance to one another.
Example: Neighbors might help each other less often.

Sentence Structures:
9. I think families will [verb]... more/less.
Example: I think families will argue less about chores.
10. It could make the community [adjective]...
Example: It could make the community more isolated.

🟡 Level 2: Intermediate Expressions (Describing Specific Changes in Relationships and Society)
This level uses more precise vocabulary to explain changes in interactions, social structures, and daily life.

Vocabulary:

1.     Dynamics: The way people interact with each other.
Example: Family dynamics could shift with less shared responsibility.

2.     Relationships: The connections between people.
Example: Relationships might become more focused on quality time.

3.     Societal: Relating to society or social groups.
Example: We could see a societal change in how we define work at home.

4.     Connections: Links or bonds between people.
Example: Community connections might weaken if people stay indoors more.

5.     Collaborative: Involving people working together.
Example: There may be less collaborative problem-solving among families.

6.     Leisure: Free time for enjoyment.
Example: Increased leisure time could lead to new community hobbies.

Phrases:
7. Shift in roles: A change in the expected jobs of family members.
Example: A major shift in roles could happen, like parents working less at home.
8. Broader implications: Wider effects beyond the immediate family.
Example: There are broader implications for how neighborhoods are designed.

Sentence Structures:
9. This widespread adoption could lead to [noun/gerund]...
Example: This widespread adoption could lead to rethinking community centers.
10. While it may [verb]..., it might also [verb]...
Example: While it may reduce household stress, it might also reduce interpersonal skills.

🔴 Level 3: Advanced Expressions (Analyzing Profound Societal and Cultural Shifts)
This level uses sophisticated vocabulary to discuss abstract concepts, long-term transformations, and complex social impacts.

Vocabulary:

1.     Paradigm shift: A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.
Example: It could cause a paradigm shift in the concept of domestic labor.

2.     Societal fabric: The structure and organization of society.
Example: The very societal fabric might evolve, with new forms of interaction.

3.     Interdependence: The state of depending on each other.
Example: Community interdependence could diminish, affecting local support systems.

4.     Cohesion: The state of sticking together in unity.
Example: Social cohesion might be challenged by increased home-centric living.

5.     Evolve: To develop gradually.
Example: Family roles could evolve beyond traditional divisions.

6.     Redefinition: The act of defining something again in a new way.
Example: We may witness a redefinition of "community" in the digital age.

Phrases:
7. Reshape the landscape of: To change the nature or structure of something significantly.
Example: Robots could reshape the landscape of urban planning and housing.
8. Have ripple effects across: To cause spreading consequences in various areas.
Example: This technology will have ripple effects across education and social services.

Sentence Structures:
9. On a macro scale, this could precipitate a move towards [abstract concept]...
Example: On a macro scale, this could precipitate a move towards hyper-individualized lifestyles.
10. The long-term consequence might not be in efficiency, but in the [noun] of [concept]...
Example: The long-term consequence might not be in efficiency, but in the erosion of informal community bonds.

PHRASE GUIDE FOR SUBQUESTION 6: Look at the choices shared by other members. Reply to one person whose chosen function is different from yours. Ask them one thoughtful question about their vision or its potential impact.

🔵 Level 1: Basic Expressions (Simple Connection and Question)
This level uses very common words to show interest and ask a simple, direct question to another member.

Vocabulary:

1.     Ask: To say something to get an answer.
Example: I want to ask you about your robot idea.

2.     Different: Not the same.
Example: Your choice is different from mine.

3.     Good: Of high quality or nice.
Example: I think your idea is good.

4.     Why: For what reason.
Example: Why did you pick that function?

5.     How: In what way.
Example: How would that help your family?

6.     What: Asking about a thing or idea.
Example: What is the biggest problem it solves?

Phrases:
7. I like your idea: To express that you think someone's thought is good.
Example: I like your idea about a gardening robot.
8. Tell me more: A friendly way to ask for more information.
Example: Your safety robot sounds important. Tell me more.

Sentence Structures:
9. I chose [my function], but your idea about [their function] is interesting. [Question]?
Example: I chose a cleaning robot, but your idea about a teaching robot is interesting. Would it teach kids or adults?
10. Can you explain how [their function] would work in your home?
Example: Can you explain how a cooking robot would work in your home?

🟡 Level 2: Intermediate Expressions (Engaging with Specifics and Implications)
This level uses more precise vocabulary to engage with the details of another member's post, showing you have considered their point and wish to explore it further.

Vocabulary:

1.     Intriguing: Very interesting.
Example: I find your focus on health monitoring intriguing.

2.     Perspective: A particular way of viewing something.
Example: Your perspective on companionship is unique.

3.     Practical: Concerned with what is actually possible or useful.
Example: That seems very practical for a busy household.

4.     Concern: A worry.
Example: My main concern with that function is privacy.

5.     Potential: Possible ability or future effect.
Example: What is the potential downside you see?

6.     Benefit: A helpful or good effect.
Example: The biggest benefit you mentioned is saving time.

Phrases:
7. I see your point about: To acknowledge you understand their main idea.
Example: I see your point about needing more free time.
8. That raises a question for me: To indicate their idea has made you think of something to ask.
Example: That raises a question for me about cost.

Sentence Structures:
9. While I prioritized [my value], you focused on [their value]. How do you think that would change the user's experience?
Example: While I prioritized efficiency, you focused on creativity. How do you think that would change the user's daily experience?
10. You mentioned [their point]. Could you give a specific example of a situation where that would be most valuable?
Example: You mentioned emotional support. Could you give a specific example of a situation where that would be most valuable?

🔴 Level 3: Advanced Expressions (Exploring Nuance, Connections, and Deeper Implications)
This level uses sophisticated vocabulary to draw connections, explore abstract trade-offs, or examine the broader philosophy behind another member's choice.

Vocabulary:

1.     Nuance: A subtle difference in meaning or opinion.
Example: I appreciate the nuance in your distinction between automation and assistance.

2.     Underlying: Lying beneath the surface; fundamental.
Example: Our underlying priorities seem to differ.

3.     Reconcile: To find a way to make two different ideas exist together.
Example: How would you reconcile the need for data with your privacy concerns?

4.     Presuppose: To require as a precondition.
Example: Your vision seems to presuppose a high level of trust in technology.

5.     Dichotomy: A division between two opposite things.
Example: You present an interesting dichotomy between practical aid and emotional care.

6.     Ramification: A complex consequence of an action.
Example: Have you considered the long-term social ramifications of your choice?

Phrases:
7. Draw a parallel between: To show a similarity between two different things.
Example: I can draw a parallel between your choice and the concept of 'care work' in society.
8. It is fascinating that you foreground: It is very interesting that you emphasize.
Example: It is fascinating that you foreground the robot's learning capability over its initial programming.

Sentence Structures:
9. If we extrapolate from your vision, what might be an unintended secondary effect on [social concept, e.g., family roles]?
Example: If we extrapolate from your vision, what might be an unintended secondary effect on traditional family roles?
10. Your choice highlights a tension between [Concept A] and [Concept B]. How would you advise navigating that balance?
Example: Your choice highlights a tension between hyper-efficiency and human connection. How would you advise navigating that balance?