Main content

Inventing robot camel jockeys

In 2003, a Qatari engineer came up with the idea for a robot jockey, to replace child jockeys in camel racing.

The tiny gadgets are now used all over the Middle East.

In 2003, a Qatari engineer came up with the idea for a robot jockey, to replace child jockeys in camel racing.

Two years later, the robot was approved for use. The tiny gadgets, which wear caps and hold whips, are now used all over the Middle East.

Rachel Naylor speaks to Esan Maruff, who helped develop them.

(Photo: Robot jockeys riding camels. Credit: Getty Images)

Available now

9 minutes

Last on

Thu 17 Nov 202203:50GMT

Broadcasts

  • Wed 16 Nov 202208:50GMT
  • Wed 16 Nov 202212:50GMT
  • Wed 16 Nov 202218:50GMT
  • Wed 16 Nov 202223:50GMT
  • Thu 17 Nov 202200:50GMT
  • Thu 17 Nov 202203:50GMT

Podcast