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<Upper-Intermediate> Lesson No.13

Eco-Friendly Robot Proposal for Environmental Regulation Compliance / 環境規制対応のためのエコフレンドリーロボット提案

0.Greetings & Ice-break (2min.)|挨拶と導入

 

0-1 Greetings

Let’s practice a short small talk that you can use to greet a business partner and start building a good relationship.

講師との挨拶を兼ねて、ビジネスパートナーと信頼関係を築くための短いスモールトークを練習してみましょう。

[Tips / 会話のヒント]

・Can you hear me clearly? 

 私の声はクリアに聞こえますか?
・How's your day going so far?

 今日はどんな一日でしたか?
・Talk about one small topic (Work, Weather, News, Hometown, Sports event, etc.)

 軽い話題について話しましょう(仕事、天気、ニュース、地元、スポーツイベントなど)

0-2 Introduction​

In today’s lesson, we’ll learn about the following situation. Have you ever experienced something similar?

本日のレッスンでは以下のようなシチュエーションについて学びます。同様のシチュエーションを経験したことがありますか?​

​​

- If you have experience, please tell us what it was like, what was difficult, or what you learned.

   経験があれば、どんな内容だったか、難しかったことや学んだことなどを教えて下さい。 

- If you don’t have experience, try to imagine yourself handling that situation in English.

  What do you think would be challenging?

  経験がなければ、英語でその状況に対応しているところを想像してみましょう。どんなことが難しそうですか?

Situation / シチュエーション

Proposing energy-efficient industrial robots to comply with strengthened environmental regulations at a German manufacturing company.
ドイツ製造会社での環境規制強化に対応する省エネ産業用ロボットを提案する場面です。

1. Read (2 min)|型を学ぶ
Let's read the following key sentences aloud!
下記の文章や単語を順番に音読しましょう!

1-1 Basic phrases
1.Our latest robot system reduces...(当社の最新ロボットシステムは...を削減する)
2.It utilizes advanced servo motors and...(高度なサーボモーターと...を活用する)
3.Let me elaborate on the quantitative benefits(定量的なメリットについて詳しく説明させてください)
4.These figures are based on our assessment of...(これらの数値は...に対する当社の評価に基づいている)
5.I understand your budget constraints(予算の制約は理解しております)
6.We can expedite the delivery and installation process to...(...するために納品と設置プロセスを迅速化できる)
7.We will coordinate closely with your production schedule to...(...するために貴社の生産スケジュールと緊密に調整する)

1-2 Essential words
1.utilize(活用する)
2.demonstrate(示す)
3.elaborate on(詳しく説明する)
4.assessment(評価)
5.accommodate(対応する)
6.expedite(迅速化する)
7.accelerate(加速する)
8.assign(配置する)
9.coordinate(調整する)
10.submit(提出する)
2. Try  (3 min)|ロールプレイ練習

Let’s practice the role-play.

ロールプレイの練習をしましょう!

Situation / シチュエーション(Reference again)

Proposing energy-efficient industrial robots to comply with strengthened environmental regulations at a German manufacturing company.
ドイツ製造会社での環境規制強化に対応する省エネ産業用ロボットを提案する場面です。

👨‍💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager】:
Thank you for meeting with me today. We are facing stricter environmental regulations in Germany, and we need to replace our current robots with energy-efficient models. Could you explain how your latest robots can help us meet both our environmental targets and regulatory compliance?
(本日はお時間をいただきありがとうございます。ドイツでは環境規制が厳しくなっており、現在のロボットを省エネ型に切り替える必要があります。貴社の最新ロボットが、環境目標達成と規制遵守の両立にどう役立つか説明していただけますか?)
🧑‍🎓【Student / Sales Representative】:
Thank you for the opportunity. Our latest robot system reduces energy consumption by 35 percent compared to conventional models. It utilizes advanced servo motors and optimized control algorithms to minimize power usage during operation. This directly supports your compliance with the new EU energy efficiency directive.
(機会をいただきありがとうございます。当社の最新ロボットシステムは、従来型と比較してエネルギー消費を35パーセント削減します。高度なサーボモーターと最適化された制御アルゴリズムを活用し、稼働中の電力使用を最小化します。これは新しいEUエネルギー効率指令への貴社の遵守を直接支援します。)

👨‍💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager】:
That sounds promising. However, we need concrete data to justify the investment to our management. Can you demonstrate the environmental impact reduction and cost savings with specific numbers?
(それは有望に聞こえます。しかし、経営陣への投資正当化のために具体的なデータが必要です。環境負荷削減効果とコスト削減効果を具体的な数値で示していただけますか?)
🧑‍🎓【Student / Sales Representative】:
Certainly. Let me elaborate on the quantitative benefits. First, the energy reduction of 35 percent translates to approximately 180000 kilowatt-hours saved annually for a typical production line with 20 units. Second, this reduces your carbon emissions by roughly 90 tons per year. Third, at current German electricity rates, you can expect cost savings of around 36000 USD annually. These figures are based on our assessment of similar manufacturing facilities in Europe.
(もちろんです。定量的なメリットについて詳しく説明させてください。第一に、35パーセントのエネルギー削減は、20台構成の標準的な生産ラインで年間約18万キロワット時の節約に相当します。第二に、これにより年間約90トンの炭素排出量を削減できます。第三に、現在のドイツの電気料金では、年間約3万6000米ドルのコスト削減が見込めます。これらの数値は、ヨーロッパの同様の製造施設に対する当社の評価に基づいています。)

👨‍💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager】:
Those numbers are impressive. But I am concerned about the initial investment cost. Our budget is limited, and we need to ensure a reasonable payback period. What is the total cost for replacing our current 20-unit system?
(その数値は印象的です。しかし初期投資コストが心配です。予算は限られており、妥当な投資回収期間を確保する必要があります。現在の20台システムを交換する総コストはいくらですか?)
🧑‍🎓【Student / Sales Representative】:
I understand your budget constraints. The total investment for 20 units, including installation and training, is approximately 800000 USD. However, based on the annual savings of 36000 USD, the payback period is roughly 5 years. Additionally, we can offer a flexible payment plan that allows you to spread the cost over 3 years. We also provide a 10 percent discount if you commit to a long-term maintenance contract. This approach can help you accommodate the investment within your current budget framework.
(予算の制約は理解しております。設置と研修を含む20台の総投資額は約80万米ドルです。ただし、年間3万6000米ドルの節約に基づくと、投資回収期間は約5年です。さらに、3年間にわたってコストを分散できる柔軟な支払いプランを提供できます。また、長期メンテナンス契約をお約束いただければ10パーセントの割引も提供いたします。このアプローチにより、現在の予算枠内で投資に対応していただけます。)

👨‍💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager】:
The payment plan and discount are helpful. One more thing: how quickly can you deliver and install the system? We need to comply with the new regulations by the end of next quarter, which is in 3 months.
(支払いプランと割引は助かります。もう1つ:システムの納品と設置はどのくらい早くできますか?来四半期末、つまり3か月以内に新規制に準拠する必要があります。)
🧑‍🎓【Student / Sales Representative】:
We can expedite the delivery and installation process to meet your deadline. Our standard lead time is 4 months, but for your urgent situation, we can accelerate production and assign a dedicated installation team. We estimate completion within 10 weeks from contract signing. This timeline includes equipment delivery, on-site installation, system testing, and operator training. We will coordinate closely with your production schedule to minimize downtime during the transition.
(期限に間に合うよう、納品と設置プロセスを迅速化できます。標準リードタイムは4か月ですが、貴社の緊急状況に対しては、生産を加速し専任の設置チームを配置できます。契約締結から10週間以内の完了を見込んでいます。このスケジュールには、機器納品、現地設置、システムテスト、オペレーター研修が含まれます。移行期間中のダウンタイムを最小化するため、貴社の生産スケジュールと緊密に調整いたします。)

👨‍💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager】:
Excellent. Your proposal addresses our key concerns regarding environmental performance, cost efficiency, and timeline. I will submit this proposal to our management team for approval. Please send me a detailed quotation with the payment plan and discount terms by the end of this week.
(素晴らしい。貴社の提案は、環境性能、コスト効率、スケジュールに関する当社の主要な懸念に対応しています。この提案を経営陣に承認のため提出します。今週末までに、支払いプランと割引条件を含む詳細な見積書を送ってください。)
🧑‍🎓【Student / Sales Representative】:
Thank you for considering our proposal. I will prepare the detailed quotation and submit it to you by Friday. If you have any questions or need additional information during the approval process, please do not hesitate to contact me. I look forward to supporting your environmental compliance goals.
(提案をご検討いただきありがとうございます。詳細な見積書を作成し、金曜日までに提出いたします。承認プロセス中にご質問や追加情報が必要な場合は、遠慮なくご連絡ください。貴社の環境遵守目標を支援できることを楽しみにしております。)

👨‍💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager】:
Perfect. I appreciate your prompt response and comprehensive explanation. We will review the quotation and aim to make a decision within 2 weeks. Thank you for your assistance today.
(完璧です。迅速な対応と包括的な説明に感謝します。見積書を検討し、2週間以内に決定することを目指します。本日はご協力ありがとうございました。)
3. Use  (4 min)|ロールプレイ & 実践(空欄補完)

Let's perform the role-play and fill in the blanks by translating the Japanese into English!
空欄の日本語を英語に訳しながら、ロールプレイを実践してみましょう!

Situation / シチュエーション(Reference again)

Proposing energy-efficient industrial robots to comply with strengthened environmental regulations at a German manufacturing company.
ドイツ製造会社での環境規制強化に対応する省エネ産業用ロボットを提案する場面です。

👨‍💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager】:
Thank you for meeting with me today. We are facing stricter environmental regulations in Germany, and we need to replace our current robots with energy-efficient models. Could you explain how your latest robots can help us meet both our environmental targets and regulatory compliance?
🧑‍🎓【Student / Sales Representative】:
Thank you for the opportunity. Our latest robot system reduces energy consumption by 35 percent compared to conventional models. It [活用する] advanced servo motors and optimized control algorithms to minimize power usage during operation. This directly supports your compliance with the new EU energy efficiency directive.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager】:
That sounds promising. However, we need concrete data to justify the investment to our management. Can you demonstrate the environmental impact reduction and cost savings with specific numbers?
🧑‍🎓【Student / Sales Representative】:
Certainly. Let me [詳しく説明する] the quantitative benefits. First, the energy reduction of 35 percent translates to approximately 180000 kilowatt-hours saved annually for a typical production line with 20 units. Second, this reduces your carbon emissions by roughly 90 tons per year. Third, at current German electricity rates, you can expect cost savings of around 36000 USD annually. These figures are based on our [評価] of similar manufacturing facilities in Europe.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager】:
Those numbers are impressive. But I am concerned about the initial investment cost. Our budget is limited, and we need to ensure a reasonable payback period. What is the total cost for replacing our current 20-unit system?
🧑‍🎓【Student / Sales Representative】:
I understand your budget constraints. The total investment for 20 units, including installation and training, is approximately 800000 USD. However, based on the annual savings of 36000 USD, the payback period is roughly 5 years. Additionally, we can offer a flexible payment plan that allows you to spread the cost over 3 years. We also provide a 10 percent discount if you commit to a long-term maintenance contract. This approach can help you [対応する] the investment within your current budget framework.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager】:
The payment plan and discount are helpful. One more thing: how quickly can you deliver and install the system? We need to comply with the new regulations by the end of next quarter, which is in 3 months.
🧑‍🎓【Student / Sales Representative】:
We can [迅速化する] the delivery and installation process to meet your deadline. Our standard lead time is 4 months, but for your urgent situation, we can [加速する] production and [配置する] a dedicated installation team. We estimate completion within 10 weeks from contract signing. This timeline includes equipment delivery, on-site installation, system testing, and operator training. We will [調整する] closely with your production schedule to minimize downtime during the transition.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager】:
Excellent. Your proposal addresses our key concerns regarding environmental performance, cost efficiency, and timeline. I will submit this proposal to our management team for approval. Please send me a detailed quotation with the payment plan and discount terms by the end of this week.
🧑‍🎓【Student / Sales Representative】:
Thank you for considering our proposal. I will prepare the detailed quotation and [提出する] it to you by Friday. If you have any questions or need additional information during the approval process, please do not hesitate to contact me. I look forward to supporting your environmental compliance goals.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager】:
Perfect. I appreciate your prompt response and comprehensive explanation. We will review the quotation and aim to make a decision within 2 weeks. Thank you for your assistance today.
4. Challenge (7 min)|応用実践

Let's perform the role-play and fill in the blanks by translating the Japanese into English!
空欄の日本語を英語に訳しながら、ロールプレイを実践してみましょう!

*Let's practice this part repeatedly until we can speak it smoothly.

  このパートはスムーズにスピーキングできるようになるまで繰り返し練習しましょう。

Situation / シチュエーション(Reference again)

Proposing energy-efficient industrial robots to comply with strengthened environmental regulations at a German manufacturing company.
ドイツ製造会社での環境規制強化に対応する省エネ産業用ロボットを提案する場面です。

👨‍💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager】:
Thank you for meeting with me today. We are facing stricter environmental regulations in Germany, and we need to replace our current robots with energy-efficient models. Could you explain how your latest robots can help us meet both our environmental targets and regulatory compliance?
🧑‍🎓【Student / Sales Representative】:
Thank you for the opportunity. [当社の最新ロボットシステムは、従来型と比較してエネルギー消費を35パーセント削減します。] [高度なサーボモーターと最適化された制御アルゴリズムを活用し、稼働中の電力使用を最小化します。] This directly supports your compliance with the new EU energy efficiency directive.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager】:
That sounds promising. However, we need concrete data to justify the investment to our management. Can you demonstrate the environmental impact reduction and cost savings with specific numbers?
🧑‍🎓【Student / Sales Representative】:
Certainly. [定量的なメリットについて詳しく説明させてください。] First, the energy reduction of 35 percent translates to approximately 180000 kilowatt-hours saved annually for a typical production line with 20 units. Second, this reduces your carbon emissions by roughly 90 tons per year. Third, at current German electricity rates, you can expect cost savings of around 36000 USD annually. [これらの数値は、ヨーロッパの同様の製造施設に対する当社の評価に基づいています。]

👨‍💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager】:
Those numbers are impressive. But I am concerned about the initial investment cost. Our budget is limited, and we need to ensure a reasonable payback period. What is the total cost for replacing our current 20-unit system?
🧑‍🎓【Student / Sales Representative】:
I understand your budget constraints. The total investment for 20 units, including installation and training, is approximately 800000 USD. However, based on the annual savings of 36000 USD, the payback period is roughly 5 years. Additionally, we can offer a flexible payment plan that allows you to spread the cost over 3 years. We also provide a 10 percent discount if you commit to a long-term maintenance contract. This approach can help you accommodate the investment within your current budget framework.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager】:
The payment plan and discount are helpful. One more thing: how quickly can you deliver and install the system? We need to comply with the new regulations by the end of next quarter, which is in 3 months.
🧑‍🎓【Student / Sales Representative】:
We can expedite the delivery and installation process to meet your deadline. Our standard lead time is 4 months, but for your urgent situation, we can accelerate production and assign a dedicated installation team. We estimate completion within 10 weeks from contract signing. This timeline includes equipment delivery, on-site installation, system testing, and operator training. [移行期間中のダウンタイムを最小化するため、貴社の生産スケジュールと緊密に調整いたします。]

👨‍💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager】:
Excellent. Your proposal addresses our key concerns regarding environmental performance, cost efficiency, and timeline. I will submit this proposal to our management team for approval. Please send me a detailed quotation with the payment plan and discount terms by the end of this week.
🧑‍🎓【Student / Sales Representative】:
Thank you for considering our proposal. I will prepare the detailed quotation and submit it to you by Friday. If you have any questions or need additional information during the approval process, please do not hesitate to contact me. I look forward to supporting your environmental compliance goals.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager】:
Perfect. I appreciate your prompt response and comprehensive explanation. We will review the quotation and aim to make a decision within 2 weeks. Thank you for your assistance today.
\ If you have some extra capacity, give it a try(余力があればやってみましょう)/
5. Real-world application (5 min)|実務応用

Let's speak freely with the phrases and flow we learned today. If you can, imagine your real job—it makes practice more effective.
本日学習した単語やフレーズ、会話の流れを思い出しながら、自由に話してみましょう。可能であれば、自身の実務を想像しながら話すと効果的です。​

Situation / シチュエーション
A German manufacturing company is considering replacing their current industrial robots with energy-efficient models due to stricter environmental regulations.
The sales representative must propose the latest energy-saving robot system and demonstrate both environmental impact reduction and cost savings with quantitative data.
ドイツの製造会社が、環境規制の強化により現在の産業用ロボットを省エネ型に切り替えることを検討している。
営業担当者は最新の省エネロボットシステムを提案し、環境負荷削減効果とコスト削減効果を定量的データで示す必要がある。

👨‍💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager】:
We need to replace our robots to meet the new environmental regulations. Please explain how your energy-efficient robot system can support our compliance and reduce operational costs.
(新しい環境規制に対応するためロボットを交換する必要があります。貴社の省エネロボットシステムが、当社の規制遵守と運用コスト削減をどのように支援できるか説明してください。)

🧑‍🎓【Student / Your Role】:
(Free Speaking based on today's lesson)

Hints / ヒント
1. Explain the energy reduction percentage
2. Present quantitative environmental benefits
3. Describe the payback period and cost savings
4. Offer flexible payment options
​※This is not a role-play. Please speak until you finish your thoughts.
 このパートはロールプレイ形式ではありません。最後まで通して話してみましょう。
6.  Wrap-up (2 min) |レッスンの振り返り

Let's review today's lesson with your teacher!
今日のレッスンについて講師と振り返ってみましょう!

 

6-1 Comments from student

・Good points / 良かったところ・上手くできたところ
・Things to work on / 今後強化したいところ

 

6-2 Feedback from teacher

・Good points / 良かった点
・Things to work on / 今後の強化ポイント
・What to review / 復習ポイント

 

*6-3 Questions from student (if any)

Japanese translation(日本語訳)

1. Read (2min)(型を学ぶ)|基本フレーズ

2. Try  (4min)(ロールプレイ練習)|型を使った練習
Let’s practice the role-play.
ロールプレイの練習をしましょう!

3. Use  (7min)|応用
Let’s perform the role-play and filling in the missing English!
英語を補完しながら、ロールプレイを実践してみましょう!

4. Challenge (7min)|実践
Let’s perform the role-play and filling in the missing English!
英語を補完しながら、ロールプレイを実践してみましょう!

5. Wrap-up (3min) – レッスンの振り返り

"Let’s review today’s lesson with your teacher!”

「今日のレッスンについて講師と振り返ってみましょう!」

5-1.  Comments from Student

  - Good points / 良かったところ・上手くできたところ

  - Things to work on / 今後強化したいところ

5-2.  Feedback from Teacher

  - Good points / 良かった点

  - Things to work on / 今後の強化ポイント

  - What to review / 復習ポイント

5-3. Question from Students (If any)

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