I always loved dogs, but I never imagined I'd see one at an IPL match, let alone a robotic one! The Indian Premier League 2025 has unveiled a game-changer in sports broadcasting - a robotic dog camera named 'Champak'. This four-legged tech marvel made its debut during the match between Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals at Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium, and it's been winning hearts ever since.

Champak is the brainchild of wTVision, a global leader in broadcast technology, in collaboration with Omnicam and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). This innovative pet camera was designed to connect with fans on an emotional level while staying true to the game's intensity. With its custom-built gimbal system, remote pan-tilt camera system, and powerful RF video transmission unit, Champak brings a fresh perspective to live sports coverage .

What Makes Champak Special?

- Agility: Champak can walk, run, jump, and even perform heart gestures, making it a delightful addition to the IPL experience.
- Advanced Technology: Equipped with AI-powered microphones and cameras, Champak provides dynamic, on-ground visuals from a dog's-eye view, bringing fans closer to the action.
- Personality: Champak interacts with players, umpires, and spectators in real-time, adding a touch of personality to cricket coverage .

It can walk, trot, pivot, jump, and even balance on its hind legs. A camera mounted on its head captures live footage, providing TV crews with unique perspectives from the boundary or the team dugouts. The robot also serves other practical purposes, such as bringing the coin to the center for the toss and delivering drinks and towels to umpires during breaks.

The IPL video featuring Champak has racked up over 5.8 million views, 560,000 likes, and 72,000 shares across social media platforms. Fans have described the addition as "adorable," "heartwarming," and "the best surprise of the match."

As IPL 2025 continues to captivate audiences with stunning matches and star-studded performances, Champak stands as a reminder that the future of sports coverage lies in blending storytelling, technology, and a touch of heart. With its innovative technology and endearing personality, Champak is sure to be a beloved fixture in the world of cricket .

Behind the Scenes

The team worked tirelessly to design and build a robotic dog that could withstand the demands of live sports coverage. Blending cutting-edge technology with a touch of charm, the robot camera is equipped with a custom-designed gimbal system to stabilize footage on uneven surfaces, as well as a pan-tilt mechanism and a video RF system. All of this is housed in a specially crafted 3D-printed shell, which keeps the robotic dog compact and durable while maintaining its mobility and performance.

Divyajot Ahluwalia, Founder and Director of wTVision Solutions Pvt. Ltd., said he was proud of the milestone, remarking, “Seeing it live during the IPL, which is one of the most followed sporting events in the world, has been a pivotal moment. We are more than convinced and committed to our mission of combining customer obsession with smart technology. This is what innovation in broadcasting looks like—making sports more ‘human’, more fun, and more engaging for everyone.”

Every aspect of Champak's design was carefully considered to ensure a seamless viewing experience. Champak's impact on the IPL experience has been significant. The robotic dog has added a new dimension to live sports coverage, providing fans with a unique perspective on the game. The emotional connection that Champak has established with fans is undeniable, and its presence has undoubtedly enhanced the overall viewing experience.