Robots play football autonomously for the first time in Beijing

For the first time ever, an intelligent robot football match with no human intervention took place in Beijing.

The match was held at the Yizhuang Technology Zone in the Chinese capital, where four teams of autonomous humanoid robots competed in what is being hailed as a major technological breakthrough.

Unlike traditional robot matches controlled remotely, this game was played entirely without human input.

Each team featured three active robots and one substitute, with the match divided into two 10-minute halves and a five-minute halftime break.

The robots were able to run, walk, kick the ball, and make real-time decisions using artificial intelligence and integrated sensors. Equipped with cameras and optical sensors, they could detect the ball from up to 20 meters away with over 90% accuracy, as well as identify teammates, opponents, goals, and field lines. Despite their relatively slow movements, the robots operated fully autonomously, with no external commands.

This event serves as a prelude to the World Intelligent Sports Games, which will take place in Beijing from August 15 to 17. The event will feature 11 robotic sports disciplines, including athletics, gymnastics, football, and synchronized jumping.

Organizers noted that the robots still face technical limitations. Their level of play was likened to that of 5- to 6-year-old children, but emphasized that performance will steadily improve as development continues.

“KORÇA BOOM”