Meet Champak: IPL's 4-Legged Tech Marvel Stealing the Spotlight

LUCKNOW Cricket fans tuning in to the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) matches have spotted something curious trotting out before the first ball is bowled—a mechanical dog standing poised between the two team captains during the toss. With its smooth movements, camera-laden body, and futuristic presence, the robot has quickly become a conversation starter both in stadiums and online.

Named ‘Champak’ through a fan poll—beating out contenders like ‘Chulbul’, ‘Buddy’, and ‘Jaffa’—this robotic dog is not just a gimmick. It's a symbol of how technology is becoming an integral part of modern sports, especially in a cricket league known for its blend of tradition and innovation.

A New Kind of Player

Champak isn’t just a novelty. Weighing in with the ability to carry a 14kg payload, the robot is equipped with high-definition cameras that offer a fresh ‘dog’s-eye-view’ of the action. These cameras capture angles and perspectives not possible with traditional broadcasting equipment. With voice-responsive programming, agility in movement, and the ability to draw shapes (it recently formed a heart with its front legs before a packed stadium), Champak is turning heads and raising eyebrows.

It first made its debut in front of a massive audience before the Delhi Capitals vs. Mumbai Indians match on April 13. Displaying nimble moves, it navigated smoothly across the field, responded to commands, and interacted with fans and players. Watching the robot mimic gestures and express movement with a certain rhythm was unlike anything seen before at a cricket match.

A Glimpse Into the Future of Sports Tech

Champak’s presence signals the IPL’s embrace of frontier technologies. The league, inspired in many ways by American sports leagues like the NFL and NBA, is pushing boundaries that even those leagues are hesitant to cross.

In the US, the National Football League (NFL) has taken a cautious stance on such technology. According to official records, NFL stadiums experienced 2,845 drone incursions during the 2023 season. The league has since been lobbying the US Congress for powers to neutralize or disable such drones. The IPL, on the other hand, is marching forward by introducing controlled, unmanned robots into its ecosystem.

This robotic dog is no ordinary automaton. Its multiple sensors can gather real-time data related to player performance and weather conditions. With most players now sporting smartwatches or biometric sensors, there is potential for such technology to sync and retrieve critical information like heart rate, pulse, and oxygen saturation, providing insights that can impact training and on-field decisions.

More Than Just a Mascot

While the entertainment value of Champak is undeniable, especially when it performs short routines or interacts with fans, the robot’s utility goes beyond performance art.

It is capable of auto-charging, maneuvering past obstacles, and even righting itself if knocked over. In future seasons, it might be seen ferrying energy drinks to players, joining mid-innings presentations, or serving as a roaming social media reporter, capturing live images and uploading them in real time.

For a league that has always leaned into spectacle—be it through cheerleaders, drone shows, or LED-lit stadium experiences—Champak adds another layer. It’s engaging, non-intrusive, and versatile.

The Rise of Human-Robot Interaction in Sports

The robot’s popularity underscores a growing trend: human-robot interaction as a form of sports engagement. With OTT platforms, fantasy leagues, and behind-the-scenes content already changing how fans consume cricket, adding a robotic companion to the mix feels like a natural progression.

“We wanted to do something different for the IPL this year,” said a senior official from the broadcasting team, on condition of anonymity. “The idea was to give fans something unexpected—Champak fits that brief perfectly.”

Its ability to walk beside players, respond to voice commands, and even simulate emotion through programmed gestures creates an entirely new layer of interactivity. Some fans have already taken to social media to suggest that IPL franchises should adopt robot mascots for branding and merchandising.

What’s Next for Champak?

The robot is currently in a trial phase and is being monitored for fan response, technical stability, and on-field performance. If all goes well, it may become a permanent fixture at key matches, and not just limited to pre-match rituals. There’s even talk of using Champak to host player interviews, deliver match balls to umpires, or provide pitch-side commentary.

Its presence also opens up commercial avenues—imagine a branded version of the robot doing sponsored laps around the field or giving away merchandise to fans in the stands.

For now, though, fans are simply enjoying its quirky movements and engaging routines. Children in the stands wave at it, players often smile as it approaches, and social media reels featuring Champak are racking up thousands of views.

Awadh 360 plus

The IPL has always stood apart from traditional cricket formats, blending entertainment with competition. The arrival of a four-legged, AI-powered dog on the pitch only cements its status as the world’s most dynamic cricketing spectacle.

While most leagues are still debating how much technology to allow on the field, the IPL has already introduced a robotic participant—one that doesn’t score runs, take wickets, or bowl overs, but adds something equally valuable: a glimpse of the future.

As the season progresses, expect to see more of Champak—trotting across screens, gathering data, entertaining fans, and maybe even changing how we experience the gentleman’s game.