VOA科学技术2024--AI-operated Robots Write Letters for Humans

AI-operated Robots Write Letters for Humans

　　Humans have been writing by hand for thousands of years.

　　Since ancient times, people have used every tool imaginable to share information, do business, and keep records.

　　But as computers took over the job and the type-written word became more common, something was lost in the process; namely, the charm and personal nature of a hand-written note or letter.

　　Modern tools

　　Now, letter writing is making a comeback in the form of artificial intelligence-operated robots. These AI robots can write notes for humans in their own handwriting.

　　David Wachs is the head and founder¹ of Handwrytten. He said businesses use his company's robots for handwritten letters and "thank-you" notes to create a strong and personal connection with those who receive them.

　　Many non-profit organizations also use handwritten letters to keep donations coming. It helps turn one-time givers, or donors², into yearly givers, Wachs explained.

　　Wachs added, "I think what's old is new again."

　　A president's hobby

　　Automated⁴ letter writing is not new. Thomas Jefferson, the third U.S. President, often used a polygraph created by British inventor John Isaac Hawkins. Jefferson considered the device the greatest invention of his time. It let him make copies of his letters to keep for his own records.

　　Charles Morrill is a historian and professional woodworker who worked as a guide for several years at Monticello, Jefferson's Virginia home from 1770 until his death in 1826. Morrill said about the polygraph, "Jefferson falls in love with this and it becomes in many ways the hobby of his presidency⁵...He keeps buying machines and exchanges ones that are not quite perfect for the next one that's a little bit better."

　　The president had more than ten of the devices at one point, Morrill added. Using what he considered wonderful technology, historians say Jefferson went on to write almost 20,000 letters in his lifetime.

　　In a January 15, 1809 letter to Charles Willson Peale, who worked with Hawkins to develop and perfect the machine, Jefferson wrote: "The use of the polygraph has spoiled me for the old copying press the copies of which are hardly ever legible," adding, "I could not, now therefore, live without the Polygraph."

　　Morrill remembered that a visitor once told him, "What is it about you Americans and this new, new thing? Other cultures aren't like this. You Americans are just so absolutely convinced that the next new thing is going to do it; the latest software, the latest computer, the latest phone."

　　"And I think this kind of begins with Jefferson," Morrill added.

　　From early polygraphs to AI-created letters

　　Handwriting technology has greatly changed since Jefferson's time.

　　Wachs says such technology now includes 3D printing and laser cutting, among others. And if users need help thinking of exactly what to write in their notes, they can choose AI to help them create a more effective message.

　　Whether via the printing press or the polygraph, a computer or a robot, one thing is clear... humans will use whatever tool they have to express themselves through the printed word.

　　Words in This Story

　　type-written - adj. written by using a typewriter or a computer

　　charm – n. a quality that causes something to be very likeable

　　appreciate – v. to be thankful for something

　　automate³ – v. to run or operate something by using machines instead of people

　　hobby – n. an activity that a person does for pleasure when not working

　　spoil – v. to have a bad effect on someone or something

　　legible – adj. capable of being read

　　absolutely -- adv. completely or totally

1 Founder   

n.创始者，缔造者

参考例句：

• He was extolled as the founder of their Florentine school.他被称颂为佛罗伦萨画派的鼻祖。
• According to the old tradition,Romulus was the founder of Rome.按照古老的传说，罗穆卢斯是古罗马的建国者。

2 donors   

n.捐赠者( donor的名词复数 )；献血者；捐血者；器官捐献者

参考例句：

• Please email us to be removed from our active list of blood donors. 假如你想把自己的名字从献血联系人名单中删去，请给我们发电子邮件。
• About half this amount comes from individual donors and bequests. 这笔钱大约有一半来自个人捐赠及遗赠。 来自《简明英汉词典》

3 automate   

v.自动化；使自动化

参考例句：

• Many banks have begun to automate.许多银行已开始采用自动化技术。
• To automate the control process of the lathes has become very easy today.使机床的控制过程自动化现已变得很容易了。

4 automated   

a.自动化的

参考例句：

• The entire manufacturing process has been automated. 整个生产过程已自动化。
• Automated Highway System (AHS) is recently regarded as one subsystem of Intelligent Transport System (ITS). 近年来自动公路系统(Automated Highway System,AHS)，作为智能运输系统的子系统之一越来越受到重视。

5 presidency   

n.总统(校长，总经理)的职位(任期)

参考例句：

• Roosevelt was elected four times to the presidency of the United States.罗斯福连续当选四届美国总统。
• Two candidates are emerging as contestants for the presidency.两位候选人最终成为总统职位竞争者。