Tiny robots gear up for soccer competition

It can be remotely controlled via a built-in infrared module.

Each robot unit has a unique address, allowing multiple robots to be controlled independently and play simultaneously.

Citizen’s Eco-Be robot maycompete in the robot world’sWorld Cup of soccer.

Citizen is releasing a developer kit so teams can create their own Eco-Be robots.

The University of Osaka is a leading institution in artificial intelligence-enhanced robot development.

Asada currently works as president of the RoboCup international committee.

Hayashi Sakawa of CNET Japan reported from Tokyo.

CNET News.com’s Jennifer Guevin contributed from San Francisco.