As you step into the stadium, the palpable positive anticipation surrounds you. Beer in one hand, popcorn in the other, you navigate through the throng of excited fans. It’s a moment you’ve been waiting for all summer - the return of football. The echoes of your heart’s thunderous excitement compete with the roar of the crowd as you make your way to your seats. Tonight, it’s not just about the game, it’s about the experience.
The stadium is teeming with fervor, more people than you’ve ever seen for a home opener. Every seat is taken, every voice raised in jubilation. And finally, you find your seats - a moment of solace in the storm of emotions. But then, a peculiar sight catches your eye. Your neighbor, seated just inches away, doesn’t have a real hand. An uncanny feeling tingles down your spine. You’re torn between not wanting to stare and an overwhelming curiosity about this enigmatic stranger.
And then, in a voice that sends shivers down your spine, a very robotic tone breaks the silence: ‘Hello there, how about those Chargers?’ The world around you blurs as the pieces of the puzzle fall into place. In that chilling moment, you realize that what you thought was a person is, in fact, a robot. Sci-fi movie or real life? Well, just ask the LA Chargers fans, because that’s exactly what happened to many of them over the weekend.
The world of live sports and AI just collided, and we’re going to break it all down for you here. I’m Alex Shepard, your guide to the AI world, and let me tell you something - you have to see this for yourself. So let’s dive right in.
This is no sci-fi movie. That robot right there was indeed at the Chargers game this past Sunday, high-fiving fans and cheering on the Chargers. In a unique marketing move, lifelike robots resembling humans were strategically placed among spectators in a football stadium to promote the upcoming sci-fi film ‘The Creator’ by 20th Century Studios, set to hit theaters on September 29th. The film explores a narrative centered on a conflict between humans and a menacing AI force threatening humanity’s existence.
These robots, though designed to mimic human appearance, exhibited static expressions and limited movement. Audience reactions were mixed, with some finding the robots amusing, while others felt an eerie discomfort. Although the robots could not engage in conversations with fans, they actively participated in supporting the Chargers during the game, offering high-fives to select individuals. This innovative promotional stunt proved to be a resounding success, garnering substantial media attention and generating significant anticipation for the film.
The company behind these new artificial fans is Promobot, a Russian company that specializes in the development and production of humanoid robots. The robots used at the Chargers game are called Promobot models BD 101. They’re about six feet tall and weigh about 150 pounds. They have cameras and sensors that allow them to see and interact with their surroundings. They’re powered by a battery that lasts about eight hours.
At the game this past weekend, Promobot robots showcased a remarkable array of capabilities that extend well beyond mere automation. These robots not only exhibit the ability to cheer for significant plays and engage in friendly banter with fans, enhancing the stadium experience, but also enthusiastically partake in fan interactions by offering high-fives and fist bumps. Impressively, they stay attuned to the on-field action, tracking the game’s developments and moving their heads and bodies accordingly, adding a dynamic and engaging element to their presence. Moreover, these robots possess the capacity to display a range of facial expressions, from smiles of excitement to frowns of empathy, enabling them to convey emotions effectively.
An integral feature is their seamless communication abilities. Not only can they interact with fans, but they can also communicate with each other and with humans through a wireless network, ensuring synchronized and efficient engagement within their environment.
Promobot is on a mission to take robot smarts to a whole new level. They are diligently working on crafting robots that possess the ability to learn and adapt to their surroundings. Picture robots that evolve and respond intelligently to dynamic situations. Secondly, their ambition doesn’t stop at mere intelligence. Promobot aims to create robots that engage in natural conversation and interact with humans in a way that feels downright human. These robots are poised to become conversational virtuosos, blurring the lines between man and machine.
But here’s the kicker - Promobot isn’t just focusing on making robots smart and human-like. They’re also committed to making them affordable. They’re striving to ensure that robots won’t be a luxury reserved for tech tycoons, but accessible to a broader range of people. While Promobot aims to push the boundaries of robotics, they are equally devoted to ensuring safety and reliability. They have pledged to guarantee that their robots pose no harm to humans, prioritizing our well-being in this evolving age of automation.
Make no mistake, the path to creating these truly intelligent robots is a complex and formidable one. Promobot stands confidently, believing that their vision will soon come to fruition, ushering in a new era where robots are an integral part of our daily lives, benefiting society at large. Will they succeed in their mission? And if they do, how soon? The one thing you can guarantee is that the next time you sit next to a robot at a game, you don’t have to worry about sharing your popcorn.
Want more insane developments in the AI world? Then you definitely need to check out this video here.
