The RoboKeeper’s eyes are two cameras, which take up to 90 pictures per second. They are positioned above the goal, pinpoint the ball and then follow its trajectory. The ball has to have a color that distinguishes it from the background.
An image processing software uses these images to calculate the ball’s probable point of impact on the goal. This information is transmitted in real time to the motor control, which is responsible for setting the RoboKeeper in motion.
All of this happens within fractions of a second; after all a well-kicked ball can attain a speed of well over 100 km/h. The penalty mark for the RoboKeeper is about 9 meters from the goal, leaving only 0.3 seconds to bring the goalie, which is attached to a high performance gear mechanism, into the right position. The RoboKeeper hereby accelerates 17 times faster than a Formula 1 racing car.
Even professional football players have had to experience, how hard it is to score against the RoboKeeper. To ensure a fair challenge for everyone, it can be handset to one of seven different levels of difficulty. In this way the RoboKeeper adjusts to the players’ level of proficiency. Every participant has a real chance of beating the RoboKeeper.