The hum of buzzing propellers fills the air at Eureka Park, one of the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) venues in Las Vegas, as South Korean-made "soccer drones" take center stage, adding a unique twist to the tech-centric event.
Drones Face Off at CES 2024
In a lively spectacle, five red drones engaged in a face-off against five blue counterparts, and all skillfully maneuvered from the sidelines to prevent any accidental collisions, AFP reported.
The short, three-minute match unfolds on a green field, with the drones protected by globe-like shields, darting across the arena, colliding, and bouncing off surfaces in their quest for goals.
The objective is simple - teams aim to guide their drones through the opposing team's suspended "donut," a hoop positioned 3.5 meters (11.5 feet) above the ground that illuminates when a goal is scored.
Sean Greenhalgh, a 32-year-old professional drone soccer player and captain of Team US, sheds light on the game dynamics. Greenhalgh explains that three drone defenders are positioned in front of the goal.
He discovered the sport a year ago during a drone photography course, making a career shift from working at Trader Joe's to becoming a drone soccer pro and coach for children aged four and above.
During the match, Jasmine Lee, the commentator, shares the sport's origin, revealing its inspiration from a Harry Potter fan and its engineering to replicate the magical sport of quidditch from the popular book series. Lee underscores the significant skill and experience required to keep a drone stationary.
She is a creative engineer who, in the past, worked with the South Korean tech company Camtic, actively involved in drone soccer. Ro Sang-heub, the CEO of Camtic, also serves as the president of the Federation of International DroneSoccer Association (FIDA).
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Drone Soccer
Since its inception in 2016, drone soccer has gained traction in 20 countries, particularly in South Korea, boasting over 2,000 teams.
The sport has a smaller footprint in the United States with only three teams, but over 5,000 youngsters have been introduced to its fundamentals, according to AFP.
Greenhalgh highlights the comprehensive learning aspect, stating that participants acquire knowledge about drones, including maintenance. The first professional league emerged in 2023, with the inaugural drone soccer World Cup scheduled for October 2025 in South Korea, aiming to expand the sport's global reach.
Ro envisions drone soccer growing to rival traditional football in popularity, expressing hopes for a wide-reaching impact similar to FIFA, with dreams of potential inclusion in the Olympics.
In the Vegas exhibition match, the red team takes a 6-4 lead, showcasing the swift and dynamic nature of the game. Only a team's main attacker can score, with the "donut" briefly turning red after each goal.
FIDA has established clear rules, including weight restrictions, ensuring each drone weighs no more than 1.2 kilos (2.65 pounds), with the battery pack included.
The exhibition concludes in an 11-11 draw, setting the stage for a second round, captivating onlookers, and bringing a distinctive and entertaining blend of technology and sports to CES 2024.
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