Robot football referees and linesmen could be a reality by 2030 with humanoid PLAYERS not far behind
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Loading... - Jason Russ
- 15 Feb 2021
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Top flight football matches could be refereed by robots in the not-too-distant future.
That's the view of a top futurologist, who believes we may also see humanoid players on pitches.
Dr Ian Pearson, a leading future gazer, is predicting that matches, including those in the Premier League, La Liga and Serie A, could be officiated by robot referees and linesmen by as soon as 2030.
Looking a little further ahead, he also said robot v robot football matches, with teams made up of humanoid players, could also be possible given the rapid rate of developments in technology.
The claims were made in a report on the role technology will play in sport in the future.
Dr Pearson suggested robots would be a natural progression from VAR (Video Assistant Referee).
The introduction of robot refs and linesmen would eliminate controversies caused by 'human error', he said, meaning managers such as Jose Mourinho and Arsene Wenger would be happier.
Presumably, it would put the likes of Jon Moss and Michael Oliver out of jobs, too.
Dr Pearson is also predicting that AI (Artificial Intelligence) will have a huge part to play in the future of sport, with teams using it to work out optimal strategies for attacking and defending.
It could even help bring an end to the 'park the bus' mentality, he suggested.
In the more distant future, matches between humanoid footballer, boxers and tennis players are feasible, but their success will depend on whether or not fans accept them, he added.
The last RoboCup - the 10th annual event - saw 500 teams of humanoid robots competing. The project's aim is to win a football game against the winners of the World Cup by the mid-21st century.
Dr Pearson BSc DSc(hc), of Futurizon, said: “Developments in technology will mean that there will be possibilities for tech to be introduced into sport to help benefit it, much like VAR.
"Robots and further advancements are also possible, however, whether it will be adopted by fans up and down the UK is another question.”
The report, commissioned by BetBright, also revealed that robot jockeys could be possible by 2025.
It comes as BetBright announced that it would attempt to create a prototype of the world’s first robot jockey, which will be unveiled at Cheltenham Festival next month.
Rich Ricci, BetBright chairman, said: “While AIs have already bested the greatest “Mind Sport” players in the world, and robots are getting closer and closer to the skills of our best motor racers, the almost visceral connection between the greatest jockeys and their horses is something very different.
"It will be fascinating to watch as AI and robotics evolve to see when, if ever, they will be able to emulate and compete with this unique emotional connection.”
Dr Pearson said developments in technology may also mean that strength-enhancing leggings and cybernetic clothing could allow athletes to play and train for longer and harder.
In addition, this clothing would allow fans to interact with players by allowing them to feel the same sensations - in other words, they'll be kicking every ball their team does.
Vision enhancement could be introduced within two years, allowing golfers to zoom in on distant greens to help work out the contours of the putting surface and their approach shot, said Dr Pearson.
This would enable more accurate and world class golf shots, taking the game to a new level.
Moreover, VR (Virtual Reality) technology will allow viewers to see exactly what the player does, putting them in the golfers' shoes.
