Robotic Camel Riders are Ready to Race

Camel racing is to be transformed as a spectator sport in the United Arab Emirates with robot riders taking the place of child jockeys.
The remotely operated riders were developed following a ban on the use of jockeys under 16 years of age, imposed by the UAE Camel Racing Association in March 2004.
Camel racing is a lucrative sport with a long tradition among Bedouin Arabs. But human rights groups have linked it to the kidnap and mistreatment of children as young as four years old. Riders have traditionally been younger than 16 years-old and weighed less than 45 kg (7 stone).
The first full trials involving the remote-controlled robots have now been conducted successfully, according to a statement issued by the UAE government on Sunday. "The mechanical jockey is light in weight and receives orders from the instructor via a remote control system fixed on the back of the camel," the statement says.