📖+10 XP
🎧+10 XP
✅+15 XP
Level A1 – BeginnerCEFR A1
2 min
78 words
- Researchers made tiny metal tags for smart homes.
- The tags are smaller than a coin and cheap.
- They do not need a battery or power plug.
- A moving part hits the tag and makes a sound.
- The sound is ultrasonic so people cannot hear it.
- A nearby wearable device can hear and record it.
- Each tag makes a different high sound.
- Tags can count actions and help monitor everyday things.
- They are quiet and protect privacy at home.
Difficult words
- tag — small label or object used for identificationtags
- wearable device — electronic item you wear to record data
- ultrasonic — sound at a very high frequency people cannot hear
- battery — a small power source for electronic devices
- monitor — to watch or check something over time
- privacy — keeping personal information private at home
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you have a wearable device?
- Would you like quiet devices that monitor things at home?
- Is privacy important in your home?
Related articles
27 Oct 2025
Africa uses AI to strengthen health systems and self-reliance
At the CPHIA conference in Durban, Africa CDC said AI and digital tools can help protect 1.4 billion people, improve surveillance and support primary health care. Data governance, infrastructure and domestic financing are key concerns.
20 Feb 2026
People learn to use robotic leg prostheses but misjudge their gait
A four-day study found that people who practised with a robotic lower‑limb prosthesis improved their walking but misjudged their own movement. Researchers say better visual feedback could help users calibrate their body image and gait.
17 Mar 2022
13 Jun 2023
15 Oct 2025