In a sports match-up pitting man versus machine, San Francisco 49ers kicker Joe Nedney went toe-to-toe Monday against Ziggy, a battle bot built by engineer Michael Worry, in a field goal kick-off challenge.
Mike Phillips was in charge of operating Ziggy, making adjustments to his kicking style, and controlling the pressurized helium used to activate his powerful kicking arm.
Normally, Ziggy is a combat robot, using his powerful arm to flip opponents and destroy them. From April 23-25, he will be going up against other destructive machines at RoboGames, the world's biggest open robot competition. Hardened for battle, Ziggy weighs 340 pounds and is covered in titanium armor.
Ziggy normally runs on compressed nitrogen, but in Monday's event, compressed helium was used because it gives a bit more force. Even so, it wasn't enough to beat 49ers kicker Joe Nedney.
San Francisco 49ers kicker Joe Nedney watches his robot counterpart try to match his kicking skills during Monday's field goal challenge at Kezar Stadium in San Francisco.
Although Nedney missed a few wide and a few short from the 40 yard line in windy conditions, he was able to zone in on the goal posts and kick a few through the uprights to beat Ziggy.
The gold and silver RoboGames 2010 medals are shown off prior to the medal ceremony Monday morning. Many more medals will be handed out later this week during RoboGames, which will take place April 23-25 in San Mateo, Calif.
