Last year, Dartmouth University unveiled the “Mobile Virtual Player” (MVP) — the only powered device that replicates an in-game experience by simulating a real football player in size, weight and agility.
The robotic football player looked more like an ordinary tackling dummy but was mobile, self–righting and remotely controlled.
Last month, the Pittsburgh Steelers released a video showing their experimentation with the robotic dummy.
Experimenting with a new technology has us thinking differently when we hear “MVP.”
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— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) May 19, 2016
The MVP can be used in a variety of drills like tackling and blocking to running and passing, which allows players to make full contact while minimizing risk of injury.
“Concussive head injuries are of major concern nationally, particularly in the sport of football. Currently, the only way to develop the skill of tackling is to engage two players, increasing the risk of injury to both players. Protecting our student–athletes is critical to the coaching staff and moms and dads as well. We have developed a solution that will allow pop–warner, high school, collegiate and professional players to fully execute a tackle on a non–human device,” commented Buddy Teevens, Dartmouth Football Coach.
The team created the robot to eliminate player–on–player contact during drills, while still maintaining the level of challenge associated with a live person.
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