Manchester City Football Club is partnering with a consumer robotics company in order to improve fan engagement and entertainment.
The partnership between the football club and UBTECH Robotics, a Chinese company that designs and manufacturers humanoid robots, will result in a suite of co-branded UBTECH products that will feature in behind the scenes content across Manchester City’s digital channels.
Little has been said of what technology will actually be used to “enhance fan engagement and entertainment” but given that UBTECH produces humanoid robots it can be assumed that there will be some kind of robotic presence.
James Zhou, chairman and founder of UBTECH Robotics said: “The unique partnership between UBTECH Robotics and Manchester City will bring cutting edge robotics technology and sports marketing together.
“UBTECH Robotics focuses on bringing intelligent consumer robots to every home in the world and creating a more intelligent, humanized lifestyle for all. With Manchester City, we look forward to bringing the excitement of intelligent robots and “beautiful football” together for all to enjoy.”
An element of the partnership will see the company have a regular presence at the Etihad Stadium on the LED boards and it will run in-house competitions to help connect consumers with the football club.
Tom Glick, Group Chief Commercial Officer, City Football Group, said: “Partnering with UBTECH, who are a world leader in their field and share our passion for innovation and cooperation, is a natural fit for Manchester City. Together, we can reinvent the fan experience both at the Etihad Stadium and online by using pioneering technology and putting fans at the heart of the partnership.”
