Camels ridden by mechanical robots race to the finish during a 6km race at the 12th International Camel Race in Kebd, Kuwait. Photo: Reuters/Stephanie McGehee
ride_of_the_robots_in_kuwait_camel_race_4f3b32549b.JPG
Robots are the jockeys now in the International Camel Race in Kuwait, the tiny ''riders'' powered by remote control as the camels' owners race alongside in 4WD vehicles.
The robot jockeys are complete with little jockey outfits and hats, and their remote controlled whips slap away at the camels as the owners pursue one of 65 Toyota LandCruiser prizes. The 6km race is part of a five-day tournament that had around 500 participants this year.
According to organizers, camel jockeys were replaced by robots in 2005 due to international pressure because camel owners were found to be involved in human trafficking, buying children from countries like Pakistan and India to use as jockeys.
