Today starts the week-long "RoboCup" competition in Germany. It's actually the tenth anniversary of this robotic soccer tournament, which hopes to have a team of humanoid robots that can defeat the World Cup soccer champions by the year 2050, so it's not a coincidence that the RoboCup takes place alongside the World Cup in Germany.

Over 30 countries are represented, along with 2500 scientists and 440 registered teams. There are five different leagues, ranging from "simulations" to the "four-legged league" to the ultimate, "humanoid league". The Humanoid League is completely autonomous, meaning no outside help is allowed. After 4 days of competition, there is an additional 2 days of symposiums and conferences. It's the ultimate sporting event for the nerd in all of us.

When I look at this I can't help but this of The Jetsons episode where Monday Night Football was just two robotic teams competing against each other. I wonder if we'll ever reach that point...

More at RoboCup's website

Report Published by: Mark Raby