Scientists have designed a human like robot named "NimbRo-OP," with contrasting white head and black body, which is adept in playing soccer.

Although chess computers have beaten humans, "humans are still clearly better at soccer than robots", said Sven Behnke, professor of computer science, who led the Autonomous Intelligent Systems working group at the University of Bonn.

Behnke's working group has created the most successful team worldwide at the RoboCup, a soccer tournament for robots, with wins in 11 individual competitions, the journal Psychology and Sociology reported.

RoboCup is being used to experiment with complex challenges for bipedal robots that can potentially be used in many practically relevant environments beyond soccer, according to a Bonn statement.

Soccer-robos have to perceive environmental conditions via cameras and inclination sensors, detect the goal posts, opponents and obstacles, and make and implement decisions involving their team members.

"There is still much to do to solve all the problems out on the pitch," said Behnke.