RMIT United (1997 – 2000)

In 1997 RMIT University designed and built a team of five autonomous robots to compete in the inaugural RoboCup soccer competition held in Nagoya, Japan. To the average spectator, the level of game play was very low. Robots headed off in the wrong direction, kicked own goals, chased after spectators, stopped moving completely, fell apart on the field and in one case, almost caught fire.

The “human” team members on the other hand saw nothing but opportunity. The goal that has been set by the RoboCup Federation was still a long way off, and some still believe that it can’t be achieved.

“By 2050, develop a team of fully autonomous humanoid robots that can win against the human world champion team in soccer.”

At RMIT University we have accepted the challenge. We know that decades will probably pass before the ultimate goal is achieved, however the opportunity to research new areas and to be competitive has inspired the imagination of our students and staff. In 1998 the RMIT team competed in Paris and then again in Stockholm in 1999, where we won our first match. The Fourth Robot World Cup Soccer Games and Conferences, RoboCup-2000 Melbourne, will be held August 28 – September 3, 2000 at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre. For the RMIT team, this is the most important meeting so far, as we will be competing for the first time on our own turf.

In 1997 the RMIT team consisted of 5 people from 2 departments.  This year’s team, RMIT United, now involves 5 RMIT departments and more than 50 people.

Mark Makies 2000

RoboCup 2000, Australia vs Germany (Freiburg Team)

RoboCup 2000, Australia vs Italy (Golem Team)