AI-Powered Humanoid Robots Compete in Historic Soccer Match

Humanoid robots equipped with artificial intelligence made history by participating in the world’s first fully autonomous 5v5 soccer match. This event took place during the preliminary rounds of the **World Humanoid Robot Games** in **Beijing**. Unlike previous competitions that featured 3v3 formats, the new 5v5 setup included two forwards, two defenders, and a goalkeeper, showcasing a significant advancement in robotic capabilities.

The match began with the robots automatically positioning themselves at kickoff. Throughout the game, they executed tackles, passes, and shots entirely without human intervention. While some robots experienced falls during collisions, they quickly regained their balance and continued to play, much to the delight of the cheering spectators.

The match lasted for **40 minutes**, divided into two halves of **15 minutes** each, with a **10-minute halftime**. The tournament’s comprehensive **70-page rulebook** resembles traditional human soccer regulations but allows for increased physical contact, with specific adjustments tailored for robots. For example, after a free kick, opposing robots must pause for **10 seconds** before engaging again, giving their AI systems time to process the play.

The **World Humanoid Robot Games**, which opened on **Thursday** and will run for three days, feature over **500 robots** from **280 teams** across **16 countries**. In total, there are **538 events** scheduled across **26 sports**, including soccer, athletics, and gymnastics. This event follows China’s inaugural AI robot soccer match, which took place on **June 27** and involved 3v3 teams in Beijing.

As technology continues to evolve, the implications of these advancements in robotics and AI extend beyond entertainment. The ability of robots to autonomously participate in complex team sports hints at future applications in various fields, from healthcare to manufacturing. The excitement surrounding these competitions not only showcases technological prowess but also raises questions about the future of human-robot interaction in sports and beyond.