Robots are invading NFL training camps

Robots are invading NFL training camps.

Actually, they are the love children of robots and tackling dummies, and they are not technological fads.

The Pittsburgh Steelers, Los Angeles Rams and Baltimore Ravens have placed an order for a batch of Mobile Virtual Players for their camps later this month, according to MVP president John Currier. That's about $8,000 per robot, which weighs between 160-180 pounds, runs a 5-second 40-yard dash and cuts in the open field.

In May, the Steelers showcased their experiment with the MVPs on their web site, while the rival Ravens tested theirs in secret. The Atlanta Falcons, Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears also have inquired about using them in the future.

What started as an experiment at Dartmouth College football practices to promote safe tackling is now a full-fledged business that is penetrating the highest levels of football.

The NFL's flirtation with technology can be fickle. Remember the drone experiment? Exactly.

This seems different, though. At the least, teams see functionality and the chance to rest players.

"They have a future,' said one NFL assistant coach whose team has tested the robots "A few kinks to be worked out, but you can find ways to make them work for you."

To separate gimmick from game-changer, let's dive into some questions about the robots and their viability at the NFL level. For guidance, we consulted the people from the 'MVP' company and a few NFL observers who have tested the product.

So, what is it exactly?

The MVP is a tackling dummy made of foam rubber that's controlled by a remote, which teams can operate. The engine, built into the base of the dummy, is protected by a cushion. It runs on two small, skateboard-like wheels. The dummies' birthplace is the Dartmouth campus in Hanover, New Hampshire. Dartmouth coach Buddy Teevens and former player Elliot Kastner were the catalysts for developing the technology. Now, the dummies are manufactured at Rogers Athletic in Farwell, Mich., transported by truck to your NFL doorstep, usually two or three at a time.

How did teams find out about this?

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin stumbled across a YouTube video of the dummies and inquired to staffer Dan Rooney, who played quarterback for the Big Green. The Ravens declined comment on the MVPs, but word of mouth was spreading. Teevens first heard from now-49ers coach Chip Kelly about potentially using the robots over a year ago.

What's the appeal?

The dummy is relatively easy to use and requires less manpower to run a practice. Most spring rosters are 90 players, and everyone can get more reps if the dummies are doing the dirty work, such as simulating scout-team formations. Picture a set screen play, with the defensive players taking their angles and the dummy streaking down the sideline. The dummy is 'perfect' for such a non-contact setting, Steelers linebacker Arthur Moats said. "It has good speed on it, so you're not running your players to death," Moats said. "You're not going to want to run that fast all practice. It saves players' legs."

But isn't the point of a tackling dummy for ... tackling?

Yes. In fact, the Dartmouth staff implemented the use of the dummies mostly to eliminate helmet contact. Falcons media relations director Brian Cearns said his coach, Dan Quinn, is interested in using the robots for the same reason. The MVPs "are forgiving but take a little force" to move because of the weight, Teevens said.

Where does concussion prevention come into play?

Well, this area is harder to evaluate, because NFL teams don't hit much in practices anymore, and the dummies don't have sensors to track where on the body players routinely hit. Dartmouth is exploring the addition of 'accelerometers' that would measure the magnitude of hits, Teevens said. But even at the base model, the concept of hitting a soft moving target could help mitigate potential damage. "Medical science is becoming aware that CTE is related to a history of many sub-concussive hits, and not just the 'bell-ringers' that make the highlight reel," Currier said. "It's that reduction - hopefully near elimination - of the repetitive, sub-concussive hits in practice that may be the greatest contribution of MVP."

What's the downside?

Once he got over the paranoia of rolling an ankle when tackling engine-powered machinery, Moats had one concern upon first glance -- the dummy can't truly simulate player movements and reactions of a shifty player. It looks different, feels different and isn't all that natural, Moats said. "You know a dummy is standing straight up - a running back or receiver won't be standing that way," Moats said. "So it's not really a football play. They can advance the technology to simulate the real play, perhaps. So, as far as straight line, it's really good. Side to side is the issue."

But problems can be fixed, right?

Yep. The product can improve its authenticity on the field. It also has some goofy arms that can be Velcro onto the sides. After gathering feedback form the Steelers and Ravens, MVP transported their dummies to the Rogers lab for tweaks. They want the dummies to maintain high-level speed while simulating open-field cuts. "We want it to be evasive," Currier said. "That's part of its value ... We want it to shift directly sideways for elusive purposes."

What about quarterback play?

If a coach is creative and wants to buy, say, 11 robots, perhaps he can disguise blitzes at the line of scrimmage to confuse a young quarterback in offseason work. That would require deft remote work from the sidelines, but that's sort of the point -- Tomlin calls the experimental options "endless." "You just really put it on the field and watch the guys and they show you the applications," Tomlin said. "They say, hey, get it to do this."

Five years from now, will most teams be using these?

We won't know that answer until after this year's training camps, but what we do know: Teams are meticulous about player usage. Many teams track every step of practice. Now, the dummies can do some of the running for you.