A computer-programmed machine is capable of putting professional athletes to shame with its enhanced skillset. A robot footballer called Artemis is gaining attention among the spectators and it’s recognized as being “better than Messi.” Engineers might be able to outdo the rigorous practice sessions on the field.
Artemis is an acronym for ‘A Robot That Exceeds Messi In Soccer’ — and the robot was given the name after a major international tournament.
Artemis operates under a complex set of programs and currently, it is one of three robots in the world that is able to run, walk and jump. Artemis is identified with female pronouns and she’s a lady capable of outshining the male athletes.
Dennis Hong, director at the Robotics and Mechanisms Laboratory, said: “We’re very excited to take Artemis out for field testing here at UCLA and we see this as an opportunity to promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics to a much wider audience.”
Artemis is getting ready to go up 2,500 other robots at RoboCup23 this summer. In the competition, robots get split into different leagues and battle it out in football challenges. There is no size requirement for the robot participants so all sizes are welcome to join.
Hiroaki Kitano launched the competition 30 years ago with a focus on bringing the robots up to speed to compete against humans by 2050. That is the summit; the robots are taking baby steps by fighting against the other machines first.
Researchers at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) are hoping that Artemis will have a leg up in the competition with her muscles mimicking real animals rather than the traditional robot. Artemis can have more agility rather than being stiff and rigid.
Dr. Hong described this as “the key behind [Artemis’s] excellent balance while walking on uneven terrain and its ability to run — getting both feet off the ground while in motion.”
Break a leg, Artemis! For the machines incapable of feeling pain, the rewards associated with participating in the sport greatly outweigh the possible risks.
Source: https://samueli.ucla.edu/artemis-uclas-most-advanced-humanoid-robot-gets-ready-for-action/