“It had to be more than 50cm in height, stand on two โ€œlegsโ€ with joints resembling elbows and knees, have an independent power system and use skis and poles.”

These are just a few of the submissions to theย Ski Robot Challenge held in South Korea at the same time as the Olympics atย the Welli Hilli ski resort, an hourโ€™s drive west of Pyeongchang. Rueters reports eight teamsย from universities, institutes and a private company went head to head for a $10,000 prize in the Ski Robot Challenge.

The robots were fitted with camera sensors to detect the blue and red gates as they raced down a beginnerโ€™s hill. Teams were awarded points for the number of gates avoided and the fastest time across the finish line. Organizers held the challenge to promote South Koreaโ€™s robotic technology during the Olympics.ย  Very cool.

….now if we could only teach them to make a decent cocktail:ย 

rueters has a 10 minute video of the robots you can watch here

 

Francis Xavier is a seasoned writer for Unofficial Networks, bringing a lifetime of outdoor experience to his work. Having lived in a ski resort town for years he has a deep connection to mountain culture....