WORLDTECHBook proposes Robot Goal Federation to govern a global robot sports league
A new book by David D'Arcangelo sets out a proposal for a global robot sports ecosystem, with a governing body, professional leagues, robotic athletes and fans who can influence play. The concept is described in a single report and has not been independently verified.
The proposed league and its robot athletes
The book describes a 32-team Robot Goal League that would play Robot Goal, a nine-on-nine robot football sport. Teams would field three kinds of machines: ground-based LowBots, humanoid MidBots and aerial HighBots.
Human coaches would direct their robots, which the book calls Roboletes. These are semi-autonomous athletes that carry out strategy across the ground and through the air.
A role for fans and live viewing
All action would be synchronised to the main arena. Eligible fans would cast binding votes on selected play choices, giving them a direct role in the outcome of matches.
Miniature scaled-down robots would recreate the on-field action in real time as matches unfold inside a live fan viewing unit.
A governing body for robot sports
The book positions the Robot Goal Federation, or RGF, as the governing and sanctioning body for all robot sports. It proposes standards for safety, technical integrity, competitive balance and human authority, intended to provide a foundation for several sports and leagues.
D'Arcangelo has reportedly been imagining robot sports since 1987. The book is available on Amazon from Wednesday, October 21.
Open questions
- Has any team, league or governing body agreed to adopt the proposed structure?
- How would the binding fan votes be run and verified in practice?