A video with highlights (and a great soundtrack) of the 2009 Robo Cup at Graz.
Robo Cup 2010 in Singapore is set to start in about two weeks time. The best of the robotic world will show of their skills on the pitch.
The avowed goal of Robo Cup:
” By mid-21st century, a team of fully autonomous humanoid robot soccer players shall win the soccer game, complying with the official rule of the FIFA, against the winner of the most recent World Cup. “
The 2009 winners of the Humanoid League were the Darmstadt Dribblers who beat their opponents, 79-3. From the Dribblers website:
” Our striker Bruno is one of the fastest robots in his class with a maximum walking speed of approximately 40cm/s. He is the first (and so far only) robot that manged to score a goal with a fully autonomous back heel kick in a competition.”
Unfortunately, Bruno also fell flat on his face in doing so. But this did not appear to hurt his feelings.
The Dribblers beat defending champions Nimbro in a tough semi- final in what appeared to be a Wembley like pitch as the players had a tough time staying upright. But it appeared they were keen to get on with the game without complaint. All of them looked suspiciously ready to do the Cristiano Ronaldo stepovers minus the fat transfer fee and wages. Which does not bode well for CR9.
Fascinating thought. The development of the Humanoid League might save clubs from financial ruin. In fact by 2050, FIFA might institute the 6+ 5 rule for humanoids.