Steelers using robotic tackling dummies during workouts

[GBMelBlount]

That dummy can move.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are running offseason workouts with robotic tackling dummies alongside them, thanks to new technology from Dartmouth College's football team.

A Steelers.com feature highlights the franchise's experimentation with Mobile Virtual Player, a tackling dummy operated by a remote control, with the potential for a full-time implementation in 2017.

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin has seen his defenders drop into coverage, then react to a dummy's movements as if it were an opposing player. He calls it "an awesome piece of technology."

"I am always interested in ways to utilize technology in terms of teaching football," Tomlin told the team website. "We are excited to get a close look at it. ... It never gets tired. It runs at an appropriate speed. All of the position groups are getting an opportunity to use it."

It's unclear if other NFL teams are using a robotic dummy.

(continued)

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/15...eason-workouts

[fansince'76]

They are pretty cool.

[fansince'76]

It just hit me what they remind me of - "Box" from Logan's Run.

"Overwhelming, am I not?"

[salamander]

Waiting for some dumbass comment from a Patriots** or Seahawks fan, "DA STEALERS R CHEETING!!!"

[ALLD]

They do not affect the salary or roster caps either.

[Texasteel]

They could use them a refs. All roborefs could be controlled from a central location by Goodell...... Wait a minute, guess we already have that.

[SteelerFanInStl]

I think that it's a very cool concept and one that we'll definitely see more of in the future.

[Born2Steel]

That is actually very cool. Even if it doesn't work as designed, it's still a very cool idea. Not sure where Heath was going with his comments, but with 11, you could run offensive plays from formation while the players watch. Xs and Os on the chalkboard, but at full size and animated on an actual field. I like this.

[GBMelBlount]

Another classic robot scene...

[Mojouw]

The question is, can they return punts? Can they rush the passer better than Jarvis Jones?

[86WARD]

They run very similar to Dr Archer.

[LloydWoodson]

Robot tackling dummies this year will be more of a challenge than Antwan Blake in practice last year.

[tube517]

They will be fined for being associated with the Steelers

Sent from my LG-H631 using Tapatalk

[hawaiiansteeler]

Q: What would you call Jarvis Jones if he were a robot?

A: R2 detour

[GBMelBlount]