Our bullet point list of the technologies present in Real Steel includes humanoid robot boxing, remote control of robots, shadow-function technology, voice recognition, robot AI learning, repair and customization shops, interactive holographic displays, and high-tech arenas.
An article published upon the movie's release explores what it would take to develop such advanced robots in real life. It asks, "Will robots really be this advanced in 10 years?"—a question we can now assess. At the time, researchers at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) were exploring robotic balance and fluid motion, with success achieved by the University of Michigan, where the MABEL robot could run at 6.8 mph while maintaining balance on various terrains [1]. Interestingly, a CMU associate professor critiqued the movie’s portrayal of robots being remotely controlled by humans, noting that “most state-of-the-art robots are autonomous. For a boxing robot, some level of autonomy would be necessary, as it would be too complex for a human to manually control every joint and movement” [1].
In addition to robotics, Real Steel showcased advanced technologies of the future, many of which were developed in collaboration with HP, a major sponsor of the film. HP's contributions included the “Flex” display, a transparent, flexible screen used in the movie’s handheld remote controls [2]. According to Mark Solomon, principal designer at HP’s innovation program, the director envisioned technology that was only one or two generations ahead of current tech [2]. HP’s prototype also envisioned the potential for augmented reality (AR), where controllers could see live projections of robots' movements in real-time like for Noisy Boy, overlaying additional data and graphics to enhance control.
By considering the real-world development of hybrid humanoid robots, robotics autonomy, and emerging display technologies, Real Steel presents a vision of the future that, while ambitious, is rooted in technological trends we continue to pursue today.
[1] McCarthy, Erin. "How Real Are Real Steel's Boxing Robots?" Popular Mechanics, 7 Oct. 2011, https://www.popularmechanics.com/culture/movies/a7244/how-real-are-real-steels-boxing-robots/.
[2] Giardina, Carolyn. "‘Real Steel’ Features Technology of the Future With the Help of HP." The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Oct. 2011, https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/real-steel-technology-future-hp-249331/. Accessed 10 Oct. 2024.