Volkswagen teams up with OhmniLabs on custom robot to provide matchday access for young soccer fans

• Volkswagen strives to provide access and inclusion by getting everyone “in the game”
• CHAMP, a VW custom telepresence #robot, will provide once-in-a-lifetime opportunities as a U.S. Soccer virtual player honoree to kids who aren’t able to attend matches in person
• CHAMP will make its debut on July 1^st at the U.S. Women’s National Team Send-Off Series match vs. Mexico in East Hartford, Connecticut
• Luna Perrone, age 10, from Palm Beach, Florida, will be the very first #volkswagen virtual player honoree via CHAMP

Herndon, VA — #volkswagen of America, Inc. is excited to announce the creation of a custom telepresence #robot named CHAMP in #collaboration with Silicon Valley-based robotics company #ohmnilabs.

The custom #robot was developed to expand the reach, visibility, and impact of U.S. Soccer’s existing player honoree program, where eleven children, sourced by #volkswagen, have an opportunity to walk out onto the field with Women’s and Men’s National Team players during the playing of the National Anthem. CHAMP will take the place of a physical player honoree, and with its telepresence technology, allow young soccer fans experiencing hardships or unique circumstances the opportunity to participate virtually, providing mobility and access to special matchday experiences.

OhmniLabs' end-to-end design was inspired by features of the all-electric #volkswagen ID.4 EV – including its sleek and aerodynamic body style, EV inspired LED light system, front grill cover and aesthetically pleasing polished finish, made to withstand UV exposure from outdoor use and temperatures.

“The CHAMP project with #ohmnilabs brings the excitement of being on the field with U.S. Soccer to some of the most passionate young fans who might not otherwise get the experience,” said #kimberleygardiner, Senior Vice President of Marketing, #volkswagen Group of America. “We see this as a creative expression of our core mission –applying advanced technology and making it more approachable.”

CHAMP will make its debut on the field with young soccer fan, Luna Perrone, on Thursday, July 1^st at the U.S. Women’s National Team Send-Off Series match against Mexico in East Hartford, Connecticut. Perrone is a standout for her local soccer club, and after enduring a tough tackle in October 2020, she was left with hip pain. Perrone then saw a specialist, where scans revealed that she had an inoperable tumor around her hip. She was ultimately diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. Perrone has persevered by keeping active by continuing to play the sport she loves while going through extensive treatments. Whether it’s juggling a ball, or doing calisthenics, Perrone is constantly finding creative ways to sharpen her skills while in the hospital for chemotherapy.

Through CHAMP on matchday, Luna will meet members of the U.S. Women’s National Team, including two-time FIFA World Cup champion, and #volkswagen Ambassador, Alex Morgan, who she cites as her personal hero and an inspiration during her recovery.

“Giving young fans like Luna an opportunity to be a part of the player honoree experience using our robots is one of the most rewarding aspects of our business; and players like Alex Morgan who give their time and talent to important programs like this, serve as role models that we are proud to align with,” said Dr. #thucvu, co-founder and CEO, #ohmnilabs. “CHAMP is a great example of how quickly we can build custom robots using our modular platform. We are thrilled with the outcome and excited to see CHAMP on the soccer fields this year.”

Following its debut, CHAMP will attend future Women’s and Men’s National Team matches providing other children the opportunity to be a virtual player honoree throughout 2021 and beyond.

Tune into FS1 on July 1^st and ESPN on July 5^th to see more about Volkswagen’s CHAMP campaign, and Luna’s story.