Robots replace child jockeys in UAE camel race

Iria · Jul 18, 2005, 09:17 PM

ABU DHABI (Reuters) - Remote-controlled robot jockeys made their debut as camel riders in the United Arab Emirates Monday, competing in a trial race after the Gulf Arab state tightened a ban on child jockeys.

Robots weighing up to 15 kg (33 lb) were dressed in the clothes of human jockeys during the race held in the capital Abu Dhabi, which officials described as "successful," the WAM news agency reported.

Earlier this month the UAE outlawed using children under 18 in camel races, a practice condemned internationally as a form of slavery, raising the age limit from 16.

The UAE and neighboring Qatar, which has also banned child camel jockeys, want to replace them with robot riders which receive orders from an instructor via a remote control system on the back of the camel.
__________
Read More / Source: SBC Yahoo! News

Jul 18, 2005, 09:17 PM	#1
Iria DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 7,275 Rep Power: 89	Robots replace child jockeys in UAE camel race ABU DHABI (Reuters) - Remote-controlled robot jockeys made their debut as camel riders in the United Arab Emirates Monday, competing in a trial race after the Gulf Arab state tightened a ban on child jockeys. Robots weighing up to 15 kg (33 lb) were dressed in the clothes of human jockeys during the race held in the capital Abu Dhabi, which officials described as "successful," the WAM news agency reported. Earlier this month the UAE outlawed using children under 18 in camel races, a practice condemned internationally as a form of slavery, raising the age limit from 16. The UAE and neighboring Qatar, which has also banned child camel jockeys, want to replace them with robot riders which receive orders from an instructor via a remote control system on the back of the camel. __________ Read More / Source: SBC Yahoo! News