Already going through sports withdrawal now that the Super Bowl has ended? Not too excited about the upcoming Winter Olympics? Well, how about we add one-part thrill of competition, plus one-part agony of defeat mixed with a heaping mess of Robots. Yeah, you read that right. Robots.
- Hand-to-hand robot combat? Check.
- Sumo-wrestling robots? Check.
- Fire-fighting robots? Got them, too.
- Dancing Robots? Robots mixing cocktails? Done and done!
What crazy, topsy-turvy alternate universe of coolness is this where you can watch Robots engage in all manner of competition? Why, right here via the RoboGames, of course. You’ll be able to catch all of he action as hundreds of robots compete (and sometimes flat-out destroy each other) via the web April 23rd-25th.
Tech enthusiasts, engineers and people who just like watchin’ stuff get smashed and/or explode should read on to get the full scoop on the 2010 RoboGames competition.
World’s Largest Robot Competition Enters Seventh Year with Annual International RoboGames
Hundreds of robots from across the globe will compete at the San Mateo County Expo Center April 23-25, 2010
San Francisco, CA – February 3, 2010 – RoboGames, the world’s largest robot competition, will host its seventh annual international event April 23-25, 2010 at a fantastic new locale – the San Mateo County Expo Center. This family-friendly celebration of all things robotics will showcase hundreds of robots from across the globe competing in more than 70 robot events. Some of these include heavyweight robot combat, android kung-fu, and many other sports events, plus demonstrations by leading robotics industry designers and engineers.
Attracting thousands of contestants and more than 500 robots, this year’s event will feature competitors as small as tiny 1-inch square autonomous robots, hockey- and soccer-playing humanoid robots, art robots, and everything in between. Awestruck audiences will watch with feverish zeal as 340 combat robots flip their opponents 15 feet into the air, breathe fire and spin blades sharp enough to cut through one-inch thick steel like butter. For those interested in RoboGames but unable to attend the event, the games will be broadcast live online via Ustream.tv at http://www.ustream.tv/robogames.
“From year to year, it’s inspiring to witness the increasingly global impact of RoboGames. Just last year, for example, both the gold medal-winning Indonesian firefighting team and Mexican RoboSumo team had the honor of meeting their home countries’ respective Presidents,” said David Calkins, co-founder of RoboGames. “We are really excited to be entering the seventh year of this truly one-of-a-kind event, and can’t wait to watch as thousands of tech enthusiasts, sports fans, robot engineers and more converge to enjoy this year’s RoboGames.”
2010 RoboGames highlights include:
• Combots and Sumo wrestling bots
• Soccer bots, acrobatic androids, basketball bots and hockey bots
• Fire-fighting bot competitions and autonomous explorer bots
• Robots that make cocktails, art bot sculptures, dancing bots and, of course, the people who build them
This year, competing teams return from as far away as Japan, Brazil, and Europe. Many of the competing teams are University-based and seeking funding to be able to attend this year’s event. As such, RoboGames is looking for sponsors to help subsidize these teams’ flights as well as robot shipping and housing while in San Mateo. Previous events’ media coverage has spanned all four networks, CNN, ESPN, Sports Center, and the Discovery Channel, providing sponsors a high level of visibility. To learn more about this year’s sponsorship opportunities, please contact sponsors@RoboGames.net.
About RoboGames
RoboGames was founded in 2005 as the ROBOlympics. Founder David Calkins, who worked with all types of robot competitions, realized the need for cross-pollination between events, as too many robot builders over-specialized within their own field. By bringing together builders from combat robotics (mechanical engineering) soccer robotics (computer programming), sumo robotics (sensors), androids (motion control) and art robots (aesthetics), robot builders can exchange ideas and learn more.
RoboGames also seeks to recognize engineers around the world in varying disciplines with consistent rule-sets and low-cost or free contestant fees. RoboGames never charges children or primary and secondary schools an entry fee. By offering gold, silver, and bronze medals, and inviting the best robot builders from countries across the globe, RoboGames gives everyone a chance to excel and compete on a level playing field. For more information, please visit http://www.robogames.net/.
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