A HUMANOID robot named Tien Kung Ultra crossing the finish line at the world’s inaugural humanoid robot halfmarathon in Beijing on Saturday, instantly triggered a debate worldwide if the robots are to replace humans and how it would impact various sports. But, the debate appears to be unfounded at least at this point in time. For, whatever be the technological advancements, they cannot replace the values that humans represent. Humans have nothing to worry about at least now.

 

Of 21 humanoid robot, Tien Kung Ultra developed by a Chinese robotics innovation centre took two hours 40 minutes and 42 seconds to complete the 21 km course of the half-marathon. This time was way more than the human world record of 56 minutes and 42 seconds set earlier this year by Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo. This indicates that humanoid robots may have begun trials but they have a long way to go even to equal the human world record. Considering the larger picture, technological advancements are being made use of to improve the performance of sportspersons. The artificial intelligence progress is being used to assess the performance of sportspersons, and suggest ways and means to improve it. Besides, some make use of the study of the opponents. In areas like sports medicine, a blend of physics, biology, and mathematics is made. In cricket, technology is being used in myriad of ways from deciding run-outs to suggesting exercise and dietary plan for players. At best, technology is being used to improve techniques of players, which may improve the performance of players. However, there are certain areas where technology cannot be used. Howsoever better technology might get, it cannot instill in players the values of sportsmanship, inspiration, dynamic thinking, and emotional intelligence that may effect certain spur of the moment decisions that can win matches. For example, even if a humanoid robot has started running half-marathon, it may at best mimick the human technique through algorithm. But, it can never develop grit that is a hallmark of a sportsperson.

 

There have been several historic moments when a player seemingly lagging suddenly steps up and exceeds own capacities to leave everyone behind. This has happened in races, boxing matches, and even in hockey and cricket. How does this happen? More than technique, emotional intelligence becomes the driving force in such moments. Robots cannot go beyond programmed knowledge and hence may at best remain useful for exhibition events.

 

China’s attempt is to showcase to the world that it is trying to catch up with the USA in the domain of humanoid robots. This has got more to do with international politics and commerce side of technological innovation. Improvement in sporting culture is not the core idea of this humanoid robot half-marathon Hence, when it comes to sports, irrespective of the debate, one must be assured that humanoid robots can never beat the humans. Because, sports is less about technique and more about attitude and spirit. Battery-powered machines can never surpass ambitionfuelled men of merit. Machines may be able to produce models and superior versions, but the field of sports produces legends that are timeless and unique.