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Robots instead of people: China's new football revolution in Beijing!
Schwerin sheds light on the use of humanoid robots in football: the first World Cup in Beijing in 2025 and technological advances.
Robots instead of people: China's new football revolution in Beijing!
The future of football could soon look very different! In Beijing, four university teams pitted their humanoid robots against each other in an exciting three-on-three duel. The robots, which are controlled by artificial intelligence (AI), act autonomously and bring a breath of fresh air to the playing fields. The use of these technologies in the world of sports has raised many questions, including the role of human referees. A robot on the sidelines recognizes offsides, handballs and swerves - this has sparked the discussion about the superfluousness of human referees. But isn't football, above all, a sport that thrives on human emotions? [NNN] reports on these developments and highlights that the idea of replacing human fans with AI-controlled ultras is also being viewed critically.
The reason for the excitement is not just an experiment: the first world championship for humanoid robots will take place in the Chinese capital from August 15 to 17, 2025. Held at the National Stadium and National Speed Skating Rink, this event includes 19 disciplines divided into sports competitions, performances and scenario-based challenges. Things get particularly exciting with the sporting competitions, which also include football. [Xpert.digital] goes on to say that this RoboCup event, which has existed since 1997, aims to develop a robot team that can compete against the human World Cup soccer team by 2050.
Market development and technologies
The developments in robotics cannot be overlooked. Leading companies such as Amazon, BMW and Mercedes-Benz are already active in the field of humanoid robots and are testing them in production environments. It is predicted that the market for humanoid robots could reach $38 billion by 2035, while ARK Invest predicts it could be as high as $24 trillion. [Xpert.digital] points out that there could be around 20 million humanoid robots in use by 2030, primarily in industry. Technological advances in multimodal AI and actuator and sensor technology are significantly improving the agility and precision of these robots, with a 35 to 40 percent increase in their capabilities from 2023 to 2025.
Another aspect of humanoid robotics is the response to the shortage of skilled workers and automation in the world of work. The first wave of robot deployments will focus on logistical activities, while from 2028 complex processes will also come into focus. Cheng Hao from Booster Robotics emphasizes that the idea of human-robot soccer games has potential, but safety must come first.
The role of artificial intelligence
The robots' capabilities are supported not only by their mechanics, but also by the constant improvement of artificial intelligence. [Süddeutsche] reports how these technologies are increasingly helping robots become more human-like. A practical example is the use of drones with robotic arms and ultrasound heads, which provide quick help in medical emergencies. Such developments impressively show that AI can make a difference even in critical situations.
In summary, robotics is facing a revolution not only in sports, but also in many other areas of life. The coming years will show whether humanoid robots can actually conquer the playing field and what role they will play in our society. One thing is certain: the fascination remains, and the question remains whether football can benefit from these innovations without losing the human touch.