France gears up for RoboCup in China Only a little higher than a player's shin pads, they have yet to master the art of passing, goal keeping…and detecting the ball. Developed by an IT lab in Bordeaux, these football players minted in aluminum and sporting square feet will represent France at the next RoboCup in China starting on July 19. The aim: to compete one day with France's flesh and blood players. An AFPTV report.