Robots playing soccer? RoboCup poses a new set of challenges in intelligent distributed computing

The author discusses a new challenge looming on computing's horizon, the robot world soccer cup, RoboCup. It will stretch the boundaries of intelligent distributed computing as roboticists work toward world-class proficiency. RoboCup is intended to stimulate innovations in a wide range of technologies and the integration of technologies into a fully functional robotic soccer team. The author discusses the requirements of a world-class robot team, including individual agent skills, cooperative behavior and learning.