Question

the current project, also supported by microsoft, will create a multimedia \head\ attachment called the \survivor buddy\. the attachment can fit on any traditional robot and serve as the interface between trapped victims and the rest of the world for the 10 or more hours it might take to reach them. an animator from pixar - the company involved in such popular films as wall - e and up - has volunteered to help design the motions.
\how do you design a robot that is socially appropriate at a time when a person is under extreme stress?\ nasse said. \my role is to come up with all the social aspects. were doing work on body distance, for example, if the robot comes up too close, and rolls right up next to you, thats pretty horrible. it has to do with the various social tricks humans use - it has to respect your personal space.\
\but the robot cant be too far away,\ he adds. \what if the robot stood 100 feet back and said: i am very concerned about you. i am here to help you. that also would be worrisome - the message is: if the robot cant care about you, because i am too far away. it seems insincere - so thats a very bad thing.\

obots must be programmed to pick up on human cues and respond appropriately - just as humans do with other humans,\ nasse said.
\we need to design a robot that knows social graces and can garner trust and show respect and expertise,\ he said. \if you send down a robot to someone whos not going to be of help. its not going to make you like it. if its going to be a comfort, its got to be something youd better like. think of all the things you need to be an effective searcher: its got to be smart, trustworthy and seem caring, optimistic - but not overly optimistic.\
why does the author include the reference to pixar in paragraph 1?
a it is a big company with a lot of monetary assets to speed up development.
b it has made a humorous movie about robots and already has an available prototype.
c it specializes in entertainment, and the web - based applications are designed to alleviate boredom.
d it has experience creating family - friendly characters, so it excels in knowing what is not threatening.

Explanation:

The author mentions Pixar because it has created family - friendly characters. This experience implies that Pixar has an understanding of what is not threatening. In the context of designing a robot to interact with trapped victims (who may be in a stressed state), creating non - threatening characters (like Pixar's) is relevant.

Answer:

D. It has experience creating family - friendly characters, so it excels in knowing what is not threatening.