China's humanoid robots generate more soccer excitement than their human counterparts
Agencies
While China's men's soccer team hasn't generated much excitement in recent years, humanoid robot teams have won over fans in Beijing based more on the AI technology involved than any athletic prowess shown.
Four teams of humanoid robots faced off in fully autonomous 3-on-3 soccer matches powered entirely by artificial intelligence on Saturday night in China's capital in what was touted as a first in China and a preview for the upcoming World Humanoid Robot Games, set to take place in Beijing.
According to the organizers, a key aspect of the match was that all the participating robots operated fully autonomously using AI-driven strategies without any human intervention or supervision.
Equipped with advanced visual sensors, the robots were able to identify the ball and navigate the field with agility They were also designed to stand up on their own after falling.
However, during the match several still had to be carried off the field on stretchers by staff, adding to the realism of the experience.
China is stepping up efforts to develop AI-powered humanoid robots, using sports competitions like marathons, boxing, and football as a real-world proving ground.
Cheng Hao, founder and CEO of Booster Robotics, the company that supplied the robot players, said sports competitions offer the ideal testing ground for humanoid robots, helping to accelerate the development of both algorithms and integrated hardware-software systems.
He also emphasized safety as a core concern in the application of humanoid robots.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
24 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Lakers rumors: Contenders lurking after Dorian Finney-Smith declines $15.4 million option
The post Lakers rumors: Contenders lurking after Dorian Finney-Smith declines $15.4 million option appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Los Angeles Lakers' biggest goal this offseason has to be addressing their lack of depth and getting a big man or two in the room after gutting their roster to acquire Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks last offseason. While Los Angeles waits to see what big men it can make a run after, it was also waiting on the decision from Dorian Finney-Smith. Advertisement Finney-Smith had a player option worth $15.4 million this offseason, and he is choosing to hit the open market instead. The former Maverick has officially declined his player option and will be a free agent when it opens on Monday, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. Charania also stated that there will be contending teams that are after Finney-Smith in free agency. 'Los Angeles Lakers forward Dorian Finney-Smith is declining his $15.4 million player option for the 2025-26 season and will enter free agency, sources tell ESPN,' Charania reported on X, formerly Twitter. 'Multiple contending teams are expected to pursue Finney-Smith beginning Monday night and a Lakers return is possible.' While the Lakers are still in play for Finney-Smith, it appears that it's going to take a substantial raise in order to keep him in Los Angeles. The Florida product has an ideal skillset on the wing for a contender, with the ability to guard elite perimeter scorers and also knock down open shots from the 3-point line. Advertisement He did just that for the Lakers last season, making nearly 40% of his triples after arriving in Los Angeles following a trade from the Brooklyn Nets. He was also a big piece of the defense for JJ Redick and company and was one of the few players that the first-year head coach trusted in the playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Finney-Smith played with Doncic during their time in Dallas and they even went to the Western Conference Finals together in 2022, so those two already have good chemistry together. As a result, the Lakers may decide that it's worth paying a premium to keep the 32-year old around for the long haul as they pivot to building for the future around their new superstar. Related: NBA rumors: Kevin O'Connor suggests Cavs try LeBron James trade with Lakers Related: Ranking 5 best LeBron James trade destinations after Rich Paul's bombshell Lakers quotes
Yahoo
24 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Angels Fans React to Mike Trout Post on Monday
Angels Fans React to Mike Trout Post on Monday originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout is playing in his fifteenth major-league season since being selected 25th overall in the first round of the 2009 MLB Draft. Advertisement Widely regarded as the best player of his generation, Trout won American League Rookie of the Year in 2012, has captured three AL MVP Awards, and is an 11-time All-Star. In 2019, he signed a 12-year, $426.5 million extension that keeps him in Anaheim through 2030 and includes a full no-trade clause. Despite his personal accolades, Trout has yet to experience postseason success with the Angels, who have not won a playoff game during his career. At age 33, he's batting just .230 with a .788 OPS—well below his career averages of .297 and .984—signaling his best days may be behind him. Los Angeles Angels right fielder Mike Trout (27)© Rich Storry-Imagn Images On Monday, the Angels posted a photo of Trout in an attempt to get him more votes for the All-Star Game in Atlanta. Advertisement The team wrote, '#VoteTrout daily, now until Wednesday (7/2) at 9am PT, to help him get to Atlanta!' Fans reacted to the Angels post on X. "Let's hope he has a good series in Atlanta," a fan said. Another added, "Nope. He's not deserving." One fan wrote, "If Trout crushes in ATL, he'll def be an All-Star." "Vote for the best," said a fan. "And vote only Trout for AL OF!" said another. Trout secured two All-Star Game MVP Awards in 2016 and 2019, rising to the occasion with baseball's biggest stars. The Angels have surged in June, improving to 41–42 and sitting only two games back of a wild-card spot. With October contention within reach, a rebound for Trout is critical—both to boost Anaheim's lineup and to earn him a spot on the All-Star roster. Advertisement Related: Phillies Send Message to Aaron Nola After Major News Related: MLB Announces Historic Tarik Skubal News After Tigers Game This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
CNN
25 minutes ago
- CNN
‘Musk is right about this': Elizabeth Warren shocked to find agreement with Musk over megabill
CNN's Kaitlan Collins talks with Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) about finding surprising common cause with Elon Musk over their shared objections to President Trump's megabill.
