AUT robots star at Kiwi derby
AUT’s leadership in New Zealand’s sport and technology sectors was on full display at the recent Auckland FC versus Wellington Phoenix as the club’s exclusive university partner introduced thousands of fever pitch football fans to its two new Humanoid Robots.
It was the first time in the A-League’s history that robots have attended a game, offering Auckland FC fans the opportunity to interact with the next generation of robotic technology.
The robots are part of AUT’s mission to educate students for the future, highlighting that AUT’s investment in this technology supports research into how humans interact with robots, and how these interactions can shape future learning, innovation and society.
AUT Vice-Chancellor, Professor Damon Salesa, says “As a leading New Zealand sports university and the only university of technology in the country, it was our pleasure to demonstrate AUT’s combined passion and commitment to sport and technology amongst fellow AFC fans at an epic football event.
“Like us, Auckland FC is bold, young and diverse and shares the same values of community, excellence and opportunity. We’re extremely proud to be the exclusive university partner of one of the most exciting sports teams in Australasia and to be able to provide the Auckland FC community with a unique encounter in a high-profile sports environment,” he says.
Before kick-off, 1.3m tall, ‘AUTo and AUTaia’, interacted with surprised, curious and excited fans, shaking hands and breaking out some dance moves.
Their presence in the family fun zone, engagement with Auckland FC supporters from The Port and the ‘Spot the AUT robot’ activation on the giant screen made a significant contribution to the vibrant, pre-match fan experience that has become synonymous with the club.
Auckland FC CEO, Nick Becker says, “Integrating the AUT robots into our Kiwi derby was super cool and had fans young and old intrigued and entertained.
“AUT’s reputation in the sport and technology spaces is invaluable to our club and we look forward to welcoming the humanoid robots back to Go Media Stadium in 2026 - perhaps they’ll show us their football moves next time!”, he says.