The IPL 2025 has brought in a very special team member—not a cricketer, coach, or robot dog! This mechanical pet has surprised fans and players with its cool moves and playful nature. It’s a camera dog that walks, runs, and captures fun moments during matches.
This unique robot was introduced by Danny Morrison, a former New Zealand cricketer and now a fun-loving commentator. The robot debuted before the Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on April 13, 2025.
Since then, the robot dog, Champak, has become a fan favorite. Whether it’s MS Dhoni playing with it or players laughing at its tricks, the robot dog is the paw-some star of IPL 2025!
Quick Overview Table: IPL Robot Dog Champak
Here’s a quick look at the IPL 2025’s newest and cutest team member—Champak, the AI-powered robot dog.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Champak (chosen by fans) |
| Technology | AI-powered quadruped robot |
| Camera Use | Live broadcast angles, sideline views |
| Movement | Walks, runs, jumps, and responds to voice |
| Special Skills | Makes a heart with legs, and reacts to people |
| Introduced By | Danny Morrison (commentator) |
| First Appearance | April 13, 2025 – DC vs MI match |
| Stadiums Seen In | Delhi, Lucknow & more |
| Look | Brown fur-like finish with the camera as a face |
What Is the IPL Robot Dog – “Champak”?
Champak is a robot dog with four legs, just like a real dog. It can move smoothly on the ground. It has a camera on its head, which helps capture cool angles of the match. Champak walks near the boundary, films players during warm-ups, and even joins the pre-match fun.
The robot dog is smart and fast, adding a fun twist to the serious game of cricket. It allows fans to see the action from a dog’s eye view, which is completely new for IPL viewers.
Robot Dog Features – AI, Camera & Movements
Champak is not just a toy—it’s built with AI (Artificial Intelligence) and advanced tech that lets it move, respond, and even perform tricks.
Here’s what it can do:
- Walk, run, and jump just like a real dog
- Follow voice commands given by commentators or staff
- Make a heart shape with its front legs (very popular with fans)
- Interact with players and wave or greet them
- Film matches and practice sessions from close range
Champak, the robot dog, mostly appears during pre-match sessions, like:
- Toss time (before the match starts)
- Team warm-ups and practice
- Fun segments with commentators
- Occasional half-time entertainment
It often walks along the boundary, waves at players, and interacts with commentators like Danny Morrison, who helps bring it to life on screen. Its camera face captures fun moments behind the scenes, like players joking around, tossing balls, or waving at fans.
Even though it doesn’t go on the pitch during play, it helps bring the game closer to fans in a new, entertaining way, while also keeping the broadcast fresh and lively.
Reactions from Players – Dhoni, Pandya & More
When Champak appeared, Hardik Pandya happily waved, Reece Topley looked shocked, and Axar Patel seemed confused!
But the cutest moment came when MS Dhoni played with the robot dog during the Lucknow vs Chennai match. He picked it up and made the crowd laugh. Fans loved it!
Role in IPL 2025 Broadcasting
Champak helps broadcasters by:
- Moving around the pitch edges
- Giving close-up shots
- Showing behind-the-scenes fun
- Keeping fans entertained
It’s a mix of tech and entertainment!
Why Is It Called “Champak”?
After the robot dog’s debut, the IPL asked fans to suggest names on social media. Many names were sent in, but “Champak” won the vote. It’s a cute, friendly name; now fans refer to it like a real team member.
The name makes the robot dog more fun, friendly, and lovable—just like a real pet!
Robot Dog Price – How Much Does It Cost?
IPL or BCCI has not shared the exact price of Champak. But robots like this—especially those made by companies like Boston Dynamics—can cost around ₹60 to ₹80 lakhs or even more.
Champak seems to be a custom-built version, designed especially for sports broadcasting and fan engagement.
Who Made the Robot Dog in IPL – Robot Design & Tech Background
Though the creators of Champak haven’t been officially named, its design and style are very similar to robot dogs made by Boston Dynamics, a famous robotics company from the USA.
Such robots are often used in:
- Factories
- Military
- Dangerous places like fire zones or chemical plants
But the IPL’s version is made to be safe, small, friendly, and fun, perfect for cricket stadiums.
Why Was BCCI Sued Over The IPL Robot Dog Name Champak?
While fans have loved the friendly robot dog named Champak, the name has led to a legal dispute between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the publishers of a famous children’s magazine.
Delhi Press Patra Prakashan, the long-running children’s magazine “Champak” publisher, has filed a trademark infringement case in the Delhi High Court. The publisher claims naming the IPL robot dog “Champak” violates their brand rights.
While the naming was meant to engage fans in a fun way, the publisher argues that it has caused brand dilution.
The Court agreed to continue the case and issued a notice, with the next hearing scheduled for July 9, 2025. However, it did not find strong enough evidence to order an immediate ban or restriction on using the name.
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Conclusion: The Robot Dog in IPL Is Making Waves
IPL is not just about cricket anymore—it’s also about fun, tech, and surprises. With Champak the robot dog, fans are getting something new and exciting to cheer for.
From greeting players to doing heart signs, this robotic dog is stealing the show. It brings joy, laughter, and cool camera views.
With IPL’s big platform, Champak may open doors for more robotic fun in sports in the future. Who knows, we might soon see robot umpires too!
FAQs
The robot dog is called Champak and was chosen by fans.
No, it can’t play but it helps with broadcasting and entertains the crowd.
It’s not official, but similar robots cost ₹60–80 lakhs.
Danny Morrison, a commentator, introduced it during the Delhi vs Mumbai match.
Yes, Champak is the first robot dog used in IPL broadcasting.
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