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# Robo-Jockey Camel Riders

By Hobbyist | Published 2007-02-27 | Tech
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rein-of-the-robo-jockey
References: [csmonitor](http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0220/p20s01-wome.html)

Having a lightweight riders means everything when it comes to horse racing. Same concept applies to camel racing in quatar. Because of that, in the early 1990s, kids as young as 5 and 6 were replacing traditional jockeys in [Qatar's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/qatar-airways-cargo) camel races. After a huge uproar over child trafficking and intervention from Human Rights Watch, it became clear that it was time for a new solution.

The first [robot jockey prototype](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/luckyrobots) was built in 2002 by a group called the [National Robotic Jockey Committee](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/national-compassionate-care-council) but it fell off the camel's hump during testing and melted in the hot sun. Finally, a working model was released after years of rigorous testing and trial and error.

Weighing less than 7 pounds and not even one foot tall, this robo-jockey can whip the camel at different speeds and pressures and in different positions. The robot also has built-in speakers so that human trainers can encourage the animals by voice.

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 6.1/10
- Popularity: 82% | Activity: 92% | Freshness: 8%
- Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women
- Primary generations: Millennial
- Top markets: North America, Europe

## Categories

[Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/robots)

## Key Themes

### What's Driving This Trend

- **Robo-jockey Technology:** Developing robotic jockeys with advanced features can revolutionize the camel racing industry globally.
- **Automation of Racing Industries:** Automation can help horse and camel racing industries to grow further by increasing efficiency, accuracy, and safety of races.
- **Robotics in Sports:** Incorporating robots in sports such as horse and camel racing can open doors for developing various robotic technologies and enhance sports experience for the audience.

### Who This Affects Most

- **Robotics Industry:** Robotics industry can explore opportunities in designing, building and upgrading robo-jockey prototypes.
- **Sports Industry:** Sports industry can leverage robotic technologies to automate and optimize sports events for better performance, entertainment and safety of athletes and animals.
- **Entertainment Industry:** Entertainment industry can use robotic technologies to enhance audience experience for unique, thrilling and safe sports events.

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