Humanoid robots showcase football skills

Updated: 03/07/2026 - 16:00 GMT+2

Humanoid robots compete in football matches at RoboCup in Incheon, South Korea, showcasing advances in robotics as spectators watch the action.

Humanoid robots chase the ball, score goals and occasionally tumble during football matches at RoboCup in Incheon, South Korea.

Footage shows several games unfolding simultaneously on compact pitches as the robots pass, kick and defend with increasing precision.

The tournament brings together teams developing robots capable of playing football with limited human intervention. Although their movements remain slower and less fluid than those of professional players, visitors say the technology is more advanced than they expected.

RoboCup is widely seen as a testing ground for robotics research, where engineers refine balance, vision and decision-making through competitive matches.