The emergence of new technology can do a lot to something that has been longer standing, whether something seen most recently in cinema with the launch of online streaming platforms bringing about the change of viewership, the launch of online gambling platforms like these non gamstop casinos and betting sites replacing brick and mortar options, and now the inclusion of robot referees into the game of football? It may seem like a bit of a gimmick at first, but there’s a lot to be said from the introduction that could change the game in quite a dramatic way if the trial games are a success.
Back during the initial launch of VAR in 2016, it was certainly received with some skepticism for whether or not it really could deliver on its goal, but by the official decision to launch it into club games by 2018 much of the usage had been ironed out and VAR, whilst not faultless, has become a staple for the game. In many ways, these robot refs will be an extension of the VAR system that may provide more accurate tracking and all of the additional features too – with a number of cameras mounted into the roofing of stadiums, the new limb tracking systems will be used to make automatic decisions on things like offsides and relay that information directly to the referee. Given the tracking and other features, it is expected to be much more accurate than the standard VAR system, but will no doubt have some teething issues to work through.
Other uses have been pointed towards football support staff – the use of the technology to gain a first-person view during the game of a players perspective could help with strategy decisions in the future if there had been a pivotal moment during the game, or to help medical staff identify where issues came with injury and such too and could be pivotal in changing the game as a whole.
The hope is to get the technology rolled out ahead of the world cup, and then much like VAR if it is successful to have it implemented in stadiums around the world so all teams can benefit from the additional tracking and information it provides, but could ultimately be the next piece of technology that will divide supporters with questionable results or uncertainty around whether or not it is needed, particularly if it overwrites any other level of authority on the field through direct line of site from referees or similar.