XR-3000 stared at the evaluation sheets.
“Multi-page paper documents detected,” he said calmly. “High importance. High paper content.”
Ben immediately stood next to him. “They are important.”
“Definition of important confirmed,” replied XR-3000. “Important means: do not eat.”
A quiet giggle went through the hall.
But Max frowned. “What did you mean by ‘unplanned category’?”
XR-3000 blinked. “Optimization potential detected.”
“You are NOT optimizing ANYTHING,” said Ben quickly.
Mr. Krüger stepped closer. “He may only help if asked.”
XR-3000 nodded. “Was I asked?”
Everyone was silent.
“No,” said Ben.
The robot stopped. Very still.
Then he said: “Then I will wait.”
He rolled back half a meter.
And sat down.
Patiently.
The jury began to deliberate.
“Project Max and XR-3000: sustainable, creative, technically stable,” murmured a teacher.
“And without incidents,” added Mr. Krüger.
At that moment a draft blew through the hall.
One of the evaluation sheets fluttered off the table.
It sailed slowly toward the floor.
XR-3000’s eyes twitched.
“Paper falling,” he said quietly.
Ben tensed up.
The robot rolled forward.
But this time no mouth opened.
Instead, he carefully caught the sheet with his gripping arm.
He smoothed it out.
And placed it neatly back on the table.
“Paper protected,” he said calmly.
Mr. Krüger smiled. “I think he really has learned.”
Ben grinned proudly.
But suddenly the large display board above the stage began to flicker.
“System message,” said XR-3000.
“Final evaluation is being calculated…”
And everyone waited anxiously for the result.