A Robot Referee for Robot Soccer

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to propose a robot referee for robot soccer. This idea is implemented using a service robot that moves along one of the field sides, uses its own cameras to analyze the game, and communicates its decisions to the human spectators using speech, and to the robot players using wireless communication. The robot uses a video-based game analysis toolbox that is able to analyze the actions at up to 20fps. This toolbox includes robots, ball, landmarks, and lines detection and tracking, as well as refereeing decisionmaking. This robot system is validated and characterized in real game situations with humanoid robot players.