Manchester City claims first with official robot partner

English Premier League football club Manchester City has entered into an innovative partnership with Ubtech, a Chinese company that specialises in the design and manufacturing of robots.

The length of the deal, which names Ubtech as the club’s official robot partner, was not disclosed. Manchester City claimed the deal was the first of its kind for a European club.

The global partnership is designed to enhance the club’s fan engagement and entertainment initiatives, with never-before-seen content to be produced using Ubtech’s technology.

Under the agreement, Ubtech’s products will be promoted across the club’s digital channels. Exclusive fan competitions will also be launched.

“Together, we can reinvent the fan experience both at the Etihad Stadium and online by using pioneering technology and putting fans at the heart of the partnership,” Tom Glick, chief commercial officer at City Football Group, the club’s parent company, said.