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California Bans Human vs. Robot Cage Fights
Developing
In Short: The California State Athletic Commission sent a cease-and-desist letter to REK after a September 18 event where a human fighter faced off against a six-foot-tall, Terminator-like robot.
San Francisco-based Robot Entertainment Kombat (REK) has been ordered by California state officials to halt all cage matches involving humans and robots following a viral video of a dangerous bout.
REK had initially promoted robot-on-robot fights for entertainment, but recently included a human participant in the matches.
The cease-and-desist letter cited a violation of state regulations that require prior approval from the California State Athletic Commission for any boxing or mixed martial arts contest involving humans.
The company's decision to include a human in the cage matches with a robot, despite the clear dangers involved, has raised concerns about safety and regulatory oversight.
What this adds
The extent of the protective gear worn by the human fighter during the cage match remains unclear, with some reports suggesting it was minimal.
What's still developing
- The company had been marketing robot-on-robot fights for entertainment purposes, but then they got influencer Frankie LaPenna to don some (fairly minimal?) protective gear and have a cage fight last month with a six-foot-tall, Terminator-style robot.
Sources
- SFistlink