World News for Students of English

09-02-2026 15:00

Researchers from a Swiss university sent a four-legged robot onto Mount Etna in Italy, one of the most active volcanoes in Europe.

The goal is to collect gas data that can show changes in volcanic activity. This work helps scientists understand eruptions better and lowers danger because people don’t need to walk on unsafe ground with toxic gas and loose rock.

The robot has cameras, sensors, and special tools that measure gas in the air. It can move across steep slopes, sand, and crater edges. It uses AI to decide how to move its legs and keep its balance. This system helps the robot react to the ground and choose safe steps in difficult places.

During tests on the volcano, the robot completed several missions on its own with very high success. It found most of the test gas sources that researchers placed on purpose. The team hopes future missions can cover longer distances and work with even less human control, which could make volcano research safer and more effective.

Difficult words: loose (not tight or not fixed in place), crater (a large hole at the top of a volcano), on purpose (done because you plan it).

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