Are robots set to take over the combat ring for good?
THE robot fighters were ready. So were their human pilots. Recently, inside Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, a battle ring became an unlikely stage for a glimpse of Malaysia’s possible robotic future.
A new form of combat is taking shape in Malaysia, blending robotics, technology and entertainment. The Shadow Combat League has introduced a unique event series in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, where humanoid robots face off against each other, with human pilots controlling them remotely via virtual-reality headsets and motion-capture technology. This spectacle, known as New Dawn Malaysia, aims to showcase the potential of robotics while removing the inherent danger found in traditional combat sports.
Founder Ian Tan and entrepreneur Ooi Fei Hoong are not just after entertainment; they seek to create a robotics ecosystem in Malaysia. Their unique approach stands out, as Tan, a medical doctor, and Ooi, with a background in gaming, fundraising, sport and Olympic weightlifting, both find common ground in their shared curiosity about movement and biomechanics - concepts central to both medicine and robotics.
The robots used in these battles capture every movement, translating it into data that feeds into artificial intelligence (AI) systems. The result is a thrilling form of combat that retains the spectacle of traditional sports, but eliminates the physical danger.
This battle ring is merely the beginning for Tan and Ooi. With the rapid advancement of technology, they envision a future where robotics will play a significant role in entertainment, sport, and technology. The fighting league serves as an appetiser for this broader vision, introducing the public to robotics in an emotionally engaging manner.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
