# Soccer-Playing Mini Robots The AI-Equipped Robo-Q By TechnoGadget | Published 2008-10-18 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robo-q-worlds-smallest-robot-playing-football References: [telegraph](http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/japan/3187299/Worlds-smallest-walking-robot-unveiled-in-Japan.html) Japanese toy manufacturer [Tomy Co.](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sora-q) caught the attention of the public at the three-day Robo Japan 2008 convention with Robo-Q, a very small robot that only measures 3.4 cm high. The miniature robot is set with built-in sensors and artificial intelligence that enables it to pass and [kick a ball while dodging obstacles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/great-robot-olympics) along its way. Not only that, it can play the little version of table football. Robo-Q is also built with the ability to navigate in a maze. Prior to Robo-Q, Tomy Co already had iSobot which was held as the world's smallest robot with a 16.5 cm height. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.6/10 - Popularity: 4% | Activity: 66% | 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) > [AI](https://www.trendhunter.com/ai) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Miniature Robotics:** The rise of miniature robots equipped with artificial intelligence presents opportunities for disruptive innovation in various industries, such as healthcare and agriculture. - **AI-powered Toys:** The integration of artificial intelligence in toys like Robo-Q is a trend that opens up opportunities for disruptive innovation in the toy industry, creating immersive and interactive play experiences. - **Robot-assisted Sports:** The development of AI-equipped robots that can play soccer and other sports presents disruptive innovation opportunities in the field of sports training and entertainment. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Healthcare:** Miniature robotics with AI capabilities can revolutionize healthcare by assisting in surgical procedures, drug delivery, and patient care, leading to safer, more precise, and efficient medical practices. - **Toy:** The integration of artificial intelligence in toys like Robo-Q opens up new possibilities for interactive and educational play experiences, shaking up the traditional toy industry. - **Sports:** The use of AI-powered robots in sports training and entertainment can disrupt the sports industry by enabling advanced coaching techniques, enhancing player performance, and creating unique spectator experiences. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Mini Moon Rovers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sora-q.md) - [Diminutive Quadruped Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quadruped-robot.md) - [Programmable Robot Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mini-robots.md) - [Programmable Pocket-Sized Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kt2-kungfu-turtle.md) - [Interactive Customizable AI Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jizai.md) - [Multidirectional Miniature Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/multidirectional-miniature-robots.md) - [Diminutive Bipedal Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bipedal-robots.md) - [Miniature Flying Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tiny-robot.md) - [Ultra-Compact Robotic Vacuum Cleaners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compact-robotic-vacuum-cleaners.md)