The Indian Premier League (IPL) has taken its broadcast innovation to a new level this season, introducing an unexpected but charming addition to its coverage team — a robotic camera dog. Equal parts high-tech gadget and crowd-pleasing mascot, the four-legged robot has quickly become a fan favorite as it roams the sidelines, offering a fresh perspective on the action.
The robotic dog made its official debut in a video shared by the IPL’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle. In the launch clip, beloved cricket presenter Danny Morrison introduced the mechanical canine to audiences, highlighting its playful personality and technical capabilities. The video featured Morrison engaging in lighthearted banter with the robot, challenging it to a race and even encouraging it to shape its robotic limbs into a heart symbol — much to the delight of viewers.
Covered in a soft, brown fur-like material and equipped with a high-quality camera in place of a face, the robot can walk, run, jump, and capture what’s being playfully described as “pet vision” — offering cricket fans immersive, on-the-ground footage from angles never seen before.
The robotic dog’s built-in camera is believed to match the quality of leading action cameras like the GoPro, giving the production team the ability to provide dynamic and close-up shots of both players and the pitch in real time.
In a clever move to further engage fans, the IPL has invited its audience to suggest names for the new mechanical companion, turning the robot into an interactive part of the 2025 season experience.
Beyond the novelty, the robot has been spotted mingling with players before matches. Ahead of the recent clash between Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians, the robot wandered into the pre-match warm-ups, drawing a mix of fascination and amusement from the cricketers.
While Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya appeared intrigued by the new addition, Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel looked visibly puzzled by the high-tech creature. The moment turned even more entertaining when MI pacer Reece Topley was caught off guard as the robot suddenly reared up onto its hind legs. Staying true to his signature playful style, Morrison quipped, “Don’t get too close!” — adding to the light-hearted atmosphere.
The robotic dog continued to steal the spotlight during the match between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Lucknow on Monday. In one of the evening’s most talked-about moments, CSK legend MS Dhoni was seen picking up the robot and gently placing it back on the ground, causing it to power down — a gesture that left fans both amused and charmed.
The arrival of the robotic dog highlights the IPL’s commitment to staying at the forefront of sports broadcasting innovation. As camera technologies, virtual graphics, ball-tracking systems, and ultra-high-definition video redefine the way fans consume sports, the inclusion of a walking, camera-equipped robot brings cricket coverage one step closer to an immersive, futuristic experience.
From Formula 1 circuits to football stadiums, and now cricket grounds, the fusion of robotics and advanced imaging is rapidly transforming sports broadcasts — and the IPL’s mechanical mascot is proving to be the perfect symbol of this new era.
