Steelers experimenting with robotic tackling dummies

There's a new player on the field at Pittsburgh Steelers offseason practices, and he, or rather it, is unlike anyone else on the team.

The Steelers are experimenting with something called the mobile virtual player (MVP). It's essentially a robotic tackling dummy that can move around the field by remote control to simulate a player's movement. Live players can use it to practice tackling without the risk of injury.

"It's an awesome piece of football technology," head coach Mike Tomlin told Teresa Varley of the team's website. "I am always interested in ways to utilize technology in terms of teaching football. We are excited to get a close look at it.

"The applications we are quickly finding are endless. It never gets tired. It runs at an appropriate football speed. All of the position groups are getting an opportunity to use it. It's funny, you just put it on the field and watch the guys and they show you the applications. It's been fun watching that."