China plans Humanoid Olympics for 2010

China has decided to add another event to the ever-growing robot sporting calendar: the Humanoid Olympic Games. The new games will be restricted to humanoid robots — machines that resemble humans. Two arms and two legs are a must; wheels are definitely out.

RoboCup, the robotic world cup, gives electronic Cristiano Ronaldos the chance to play on a virtual football field. RoboGames, an event held in the US every year, is the biggest of its kind, and all kinds of robotic creatures, from contraptions on wheels to remote-controlled walking androids, can take part.

The organizers of the Humanoid Olympic Games expect 100 universities to enter robots in the competition, which will have 16 different events. Robots will compete in some of the more 'traditional' sports like athletics, as well as more domestic tasks like cleaning a house and mixing a cocktail. The aim is to raise awareness of research into robotic technology.

The city of Harbin in Heilongjiang Province in north-east China, which will host the games, already has a robotic sports tradition: a group at the Harbin Institute of Technology manages a highly successful robot football team. Look out, Manchester United!