Winter Olympics Robots 2018: Ski Robot Challenge and Other Bot-Stars That Are Hype In South Korea (VIDEO)
From the Olympic torch humanoid to Ski Robot Challenge, here’s how robots capture our hearts during the Games 2018.
If you follow the news from the PyeongChang Olympics you’ve already known about first medals, fails and other memorable moments.
But what you’ve probably missed is a plenty of robots that live their own lives during the Games.
True Olympics stars
Seems that Winter Olympic Games 2018 will stay in our heart not only because of the bright victories and fails but also for South Korea’s robotic technologies.
In general, 85 robots of 11 types have been serving Olympic visitors in various manners at different sites and offering endless amusement. They have been performing tasks from cleaning floors to serving drinks.
According to the PyeongChang Organizing Committee, this is the first Olympics where robots have been put to work. Tokyo, which is hosting the Summer Olympics in 2020, is already making plans to use robots as well.
Autonomous helpers
Whom we’ve already met while Olympics 2018? There is a robot that can guide lost visitors, another that shoots projections onto the floor with news and weather, and perhaps the most perplexing, one that swims around in a fish tank.
And robot fish in the aquarium at the Pyeongchang Olympics. https://t.co/yQDbuDfzN7 pic.twitter.com/NWoo6PVzzP
— Stephen Wade (@StephenWadeAP) 11 лютого 2018 р.
For many, the first encounter will be at Incheon International Airport, where robots equipped with artificial intelligence software can guide passengers in four languages – Chinese, English, Japanese and Korean.
The other models will provide services like Games information and translation, serving drinks and act as pet fish.
Olympic torch
Weeks before the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics in South Korea have started the Olympic torch has been making its way across the country through the hands of athletes, celebs, and even the humanoid robot.
Source: Yang Young-suk, AP
The robot had the honor of passing the torch at its birthplace of the Korean Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) in Daejeon.
It walked about 500 feet to a wooden wall (painted to look like bricks), used a drill to cut a hole, then punched through it with the torch to pass it along to its creator, Professor Oh Jun-ho.
Ski Robot Challenge
Robots have their own Olympic Ski Challenge just outside of PyeongChang.
Eight robotics teams from South Korea’s research institutes, universities and a private company competed in a tournament called “Edge of Robot: Ski Robot Challenge” hoping to win $10,000 in the world’s first robot ski challenge.
Just a few miles away from the #PyeongChangWinterOlympics is another elite level competition. The Ski Robot Challenge. Had our engineers not been busy we might have had a crack at this. #engineering #robotics pic.twitter.com/JsjCe9vqyz
— Stage One (@StageOneLtd) 11 лютого 2018 р.
In order to be able to participate in the games, the teams had to make sure their robots were taller than 50 centimeters, could stand on two legs with joints resembling knees and elbows, have an independent power system and, of course, be able to maneuver skies and poles.
Participating bots were also equipped with camera sensors to detect the blue and red flag poles that marked out the path.
Source: Reuters
“I think in the future, robots will have their own Winter Games on the sidelines of the Olympics held by humans,” Kim Dong-uk, an organizer with the robot tournament, told Reuters.
‘I’m amazed that the robots recognise the flags as they can ski down while avoiding them,’ said 12-year-old spectator Son Ki-ryong.
Organisers said they held the challenge to promote South Korea’s robotic technology during the Olympics.
Robotic vacuum
WALL·E, is that you? Kidding.
A white robotic vacuum impressed visitors and journalists at the Main Press Center in Pyeongchang County, Gangwon.
They like to keep things clean here at Main Press Centre. Watch out for this robot vacuuming the halls. It says something, but can’t quite make it out. #PyeongChang2018. pic.twitter.com/FGrSFQ9uGd
— Reid Fiest (@ReidFiest) 6 лютого 2018 р.
It’s task was to make rounds and keep the venue for reporters and photographers clean.
Media, who are busy interviewing athletes, have had to avoid the robots — which are the size of washing machines on wheels.
See also:
- Winter Olympics 2018 Highlights: Chloe Kim, Penis-Men Statues, Robotic Olympics and More
- 50 Shades Of Olympics: Why Athletes Need 110,000 Condoms for Just Two Weeks? (INFOGRAPHIC)
- Winter Olympics 2018 Weekends: North Korea Cheer Squad, Mirai Nagasu’s Triple Axel and More Moments, Facts and Photos (VIDEO)
