The United Arab Emirates is set to replace its practice of using children as camel jockeys with robot riders.

The mechanical jockey gets orders from the instructor via a remote control system fixed on the back of the camel.

The first prototype successfully passed its first test with and punters will see robot jockeys go into service in August.

The Gulf Arab state announced new laws to crack down on the trafficking of camel jockeys under the age of 16 or weighing less than 45 kg.

Human rights groups say several thousand boys, some as young as four, work as jockeys – many after being abducted or sold by their families. They say the boys are kept in prison-like conditions where they are underfed to keep them light so the camels can run faster.

Via SBS and BBC. Photo .
Previously: Qatar to use robots in camel races.