The players and the ball will be manufactured so that they’re covered with a net-like structure that allows for airflow, and just like in conventional soccer, the players will be “kicking” the ball into each other’s goals. (image: KobizMedia/ Korea Bizwire)
JEONJU, South Korea, Sept. 8 (Korea Bizwire) – Jeonju announced Thursday that it will be presenting “Drone Soccer”– a collaborative product between drone manufacturers and the city’s carbon industry.
While the city sees drones as a potential growth industry of the future, the carbon industry has been the signature enterprise of Jeonju for the past decade. Jeonju will also host the opening ceremonies for the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
According to the city government, the city and the CAMTIC Advanced Mechatronics Technology Institute for Commercialization will invest 430 million won and 700 million won respectively over the next three years to establish ICT drone soccer infrastructure.
Drone soccer will feature drone soccer players playing with a drone-based soccer ball, with the game taking place in mid-air. The players and the ball will be manufactured so that they’re covered with a net-like structure that allows for airflow, and just like in conventional soccer, the players will be “kicking” the ball into each other’s goals.
The flying UAVs (five on each side) will, of course, be maneuvered by human pilots from outside the field, while the ball will not fly higher than 1.5 meters above ground, allowing the audience to get great views of the action.
To begin with, 250 million won will be invested into setting up an experience center for the new sport for promotional purposes. The city will then steadily expand its infrastructure with the ultimate goal of establishing drone soccer as its trademark entertainment.
“Whether the drone players will be shaped in the form of a sphere, or other appearances, has yet to be determined,” said Kang Chang-soo, Jeonju’s Director of Carbon Industries. “If drone soccer becomes popular enough, people may even be able to enjoy games at Jeonju World Cup Stadium.”
By Joseph Shin (jss539@koreabizwire.com)
