Visitors at GITEX 2025 were surprised to find robots playing football at the HPE stand, showcasing AI-powered manufacturing tech.
DUBAI: Football and future tech merged in a surprising way at GITEX Global 2025, where visitors at the HPE stand encountered three AI-powered robots playing football on a mini green pitch. The engaging demo wasn’t just for entertainment—it highlighted cutting-edge manufacturing capabilities powered by HPE NonStop technologies and abat+ systems.
These robots weren’t remote-controlled toys; they used real-time AI to analyse their surroundings, position themselves strategically on the field, and respond to game dynamics. The same intelligent systems are currently being used by a leading automotive brand to manage complex, data-driven car production processes.
HPE’s Head of Technology & Business Development for Emirates & Africa, Michael Langeveld, explained the broader relevance: “We see more manufacturers, especially in automotive, shifting towards a data-driven approach for streamlined manufacturing. Smart systems like those provided by HPE and abat+ improve quality, reduce costs, and enhance production flexibility,” he noted.
The football demo was part of a larger exhibit under the banner: “The Future of IT is Happening Live.” Beyond football, visitors explored the capabilities of the world’s fastest supercomputer and witnessed the next wave of high-performance computing blending with robotics, AI, and smart manufacturing.
With scalable, secure, and reliable infrastructure, HPE aims to empower manufacturers to innovate beyond traditional workflows. The exhibition illustrated how the same digital ecosystems used to entertain on the GITEX floor can transform global industry—ushering in a new era of intelligent production and robotics.
As robotics and AI grow increasingly integrated with real-world operations, GITEX attendees witnessed firsthand how playful innovation today can drive industrial progress tomorrow.
