Robots are expanding their potential and realms. From industrial production lines churning out cars and microchips, automatons now excel in the hospitality industry as humanoid receptionists who greet and guide hotel guests and baristas who prepare drinks.

Pretty soon, robots will invade the world of sports as athletes and give the likes of Lebron James and Lionel Messi a run for their money.

American firms IMHC Robotics and Broadwalk Robotics are training a robot boxer, and it shows promise of fighting in the ring someday. Named Nadia, after the famous Romanian gymnast, the robot can hit training pads worn by a human test subject, as shown in a recent IR and BR video.

The headless humanoid boxer is remotely controlled by an engineer using virtual reality goggles and arm controllers similar to those used by VR gamers. Movement commands are transmitted to a tether connected to Nadia, powered by electricity and hydraulic actuators.

"Engineered for exceptional flexibility, the firm claims that Nadia boasts an extensive range of motion across its 29 joints, surpassing the capabilities of many humanoid robots currently available," Interesting Engineering reported.

IR and BR are trying to make Nadia's behavior and motions autonomous. Once fully functional, the robot may be used for firefighting, disaster response and explosives handling.

Meanwhile, remote-controlled robots have a new calling at the Honjo Elementary School in Japan.

On 12 December, teachers at HES demonstrated to students the use of a US-made Temi telepresence robot, Asahi Shimbun reported.

Equipped with a camera, speaker, microphone and touchscreen, the TTR is part of the school's special online learning program for students who have to go on long-term absences, according to AS.

A child from home can control the meter-tall wheeled robot through a smartphone app. The child's image will appear on the robot's screen, which then interacts with other students in the classroom on behalf of the absentee.

Through the TTR, pupils don't have to miss class when they are sick and can catch up on missed lessons.     

With AFP