Meet Artemis: The humanoid robot set to dribble past Messi and dominate the World Cup | WATCH

When you think of elite footballers, names like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Kylian Mbappé come to mind. But the latest contender making waves isn’t human at all. Meet ARTEMIS, a groundbreaking humanoid robot from UCLA, poised to shake up the world of football.

ARTEMIS: More Than Just a Machine

ARTEMIS, which stands for Advanced Robotic Technology for Enhanced Mobility and Improved Stability, is designed to play football with ambitions so lofty that it aims to challenge human legends. Engineered by top researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles, ARTEMIS is equipped with cutting-edge technology that blurs the lines between biomechanics and robotics.

ARTEMIS' Speed That Stuns

In terms of speed, ARTEMIS has already set records. This humanoid is capable of walking at an impressive 2.1 metres per second, making it the fastest walking humanoid robot in the world. According to UCLA researchers, its swift pace could create chaos on the pitch, surpassing traditional robotic limitations and even threatening to outmatch top players in running speed.

What Sets ARTEMIS Apart

What sets ARTEMIS apart is its unique actuator system that mimics biological muscles. Unlike conventional robots, ARTEMIS’s design allows for fluid and lifelike movements, which are crucial in dynamic sports like football. These muscle-like actuators contribute to improved agility, balance, and stability, making ARTEMIS a remarkable stride in robotic evolution.

ARTEMIS' Road to RoboCup and Beyond

Currently, ARTEMIS is preparing for the prestigious RoboCup, an international competition that pits autonomous robots against each other in football matches. The long-term vision? To face off against human World Cup champions by 2050.

WATCH ARTEMIS IN ACTION HERE

While ARTEMIS’s debut performances, such as at tech expos like GITEX 2023, have showcased its potential, there's still work to be done. It was observed struggling with basic football skills, often missing the ball during demonstrations, as reported by *Daily Star*. Yet the promise it holds is undeniable.

Messi Responds to World Cup 2026 Speculation

While ARTEMIS sets its sights on future World Cup glory, the legendary Lionel Messi shared his own uncertain plans for the next FIFA World Cup. Speaking with football journalist Fabrizio Romano, Messi said, “I don’t know (if I will play in the 2026 World Cup), they ask me a lot, especially in Argentina. I hope to finish this year well, and start the year having a good preseason, which I didn’t have last year due to all the trips we had.”

From Tech Demos to Future Star?

Despite ARTEMIS’s current limitations, its development represents a monumental leap in robotics and artificial intelligence. With its eyes on global football stages and improvements on the horizon, ARTEMIS is not just a machine but a sign of how technology and sport may soon intersect in mind-blowing ways.

While ARTEMIS is yet to master the simple art of kicking a ball without stumbling, it's only a matter of time before the robot learns, adapts, and showcases its true potential.