Reading Passage
Paragraph A
In 2009, the Industrial Automation Research Unit (IARU), headquartered at 88 Logistics Park Road, Osaka, Japan, began studying the use of robotics to improve warehouse efficiency. At that time, manual handling accounted for nearly 62% of operational labour costs in large distribution centres. Early experiments conducted between 2010 and 2012 focused on autonomous mobile robots capable of transporting loads of up to 450 kilograms. Initial trials reported order-picking accuracy improvements of 21%, suggesting that robotic systems could significantly enhance productivity in logistics operations.
Paragraph B
Commercial deployment started in 2013, when IARU partnered with 42 warehouses across Kansai region. Robots were programmed to navigate using laser-guided mapping and operated continuously for up to 18 hours per day. According to industry reports, average order fulfilment times dropped from 96 minutes to 54 minutes by 2016. Installation costs averaged 96 million per facility, partially subsidised by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry under a programme approved in September 2012.
Paragraph C
Despite measurable efficiency gains, several challenges emerged. A 2015 workforce survey involving 1,100 employees found that 34% were concerned about job displacement. Technical failures during early rollout caused temporary shutdowns, averaging 6.2 hours per month per site. In addition, smaller warehouses reported difficulty integrating robotics with legacy inventory software. To address these issues, IARU introduced retraining schemes in 2016 and provided technical support hubs in Kobe and Kyoto.
Paragraph D
Government support expanded after 2017, when a national logistics innovation fund allocated 420 billion to automation projects. By 2020, 58% of large Japanese warehouses had implemented at least one robotic system. National productivity statistics indicated that output per worker increased by 17% between 2015 and 2021 in automated facilities, reinforcing the economic rationale for robotics adoption.
Paragraph E
Beyond productivity, broader impacts were observed. A 2021 study by Osaka University estimated annual cost savings of 310 billion due to reduced labour expenses and lower error rates. Workplace injury reports also declined by 14% between 2018 and 2022, according to the Japan Industrial Safety Board. These findings strengthened corporate confidence in long-term automation investments.
Paragraph F
Future developments focus on artificial intelligence and predictive logistics. IARU plans to integrate machine learning algorithms by 2031 to optimise inventory forecasting and route planning. As of March 2024, approximately 51% of Japans major distribution centres regularly used advanced robotic systems. Pilot projects scheduled for 2027 in Yokohama and Nagoya will test fully autonomous warehouses, aiming to further increase efficiency and resilience.
Questions 1-4: Matching Headings
Instructions: Choose the correct heading for each paragraph from the list below. Write the correct Roman numeral.
List of Headings
i. Economic and safety-related outcomes
ii. Early experimentation with robotic transport
iii. Workforce concerns and technical challenges
iv. Large-scale deployment supported by public funding
v. Operational changes during commercial rollout
vi. Future applications using artificial intelligence
Question 1: Paragraph B
Question 2: Paragraph C
Question 3: Paragraph D
Question 4: Paragraph E
Questions 5-8: True/False/Not Given
Instructions: Write TRUE if the statement agrees with the information, FALSE if it contradicts, or NOT GIVEN if there is no information.
Question 5
Robots were able to operate continuously for an entire day without stopping.
Question 6
Some employees feared losing their jobs due to automation.
Question 7
Small warehouses found it easier to adopt robotics than large facilities.
Question 8
Workplace injuries decreased after robotic systems were introduced.
Questions 9-12: Note Completion
Instructions: Complete the notes below. Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.
Question 9
Complete the notes below.
Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER.
?Maximum load capacity of robots:
Question 10
kilograms
?Average installation cost per facility:
Question 11
million
?Monthly shutdown time due to failures:
Question 12
hours
?Productivity increase per worker:
Questions 13-16: Sentence Completion
Instructions: Complete the sentences below. Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.
Question 13
Order fulfilment time was reduced to minutes by 2016.
Question 14
Retraining schemes were introduced in .
Question 15
Annual cost savings were estimated at billion.
Question 16
Injury reports declined by percent after automation.
Questions 17-19: Summary Completion
Instructions: Complete the summary below. Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.
Renewable energy adoption in rural communities aimed to reduce grid dependency and lower electricity costs. Initial challenges included high installation expenses and concerns about displacement. Government subsidies improved household participation, leading to significant energy and reduced carbon footprints. Future plans emphasise predictive systems to optimise energy distribution.
Questions 9-13: Short Answer Questions
Instructions: Answer the questions below. Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.
Question 9
Where is the Industrial Automation Research Unit headquartered?
Question 10
How many warehouses participated in the initial commercial deployment?
Question 11
Which organisation reported injury statistics?
Question 12
What percentage of major distribution centres used advanced systems in 2024?
Question 13
In which year are fully autonomous warehouse pilots scheduled?