From walking pitches to robot butlers: AI imagines future for Murrayfield in 2125 to mark centenary

A new report has used AI to imagine what the next 100 years could hold in store for Murrayfield as the home of rugby celebrates its centenary.

March 21 will mark the anniversary of the stadium in Edinburgh and renowned applied futurist Tom Cheesewright has revealed how it could evolve by the year 2125.

Highlights include the introduction of landing pads that will allow fans to arrive at the stadium by aerotaxi and pitches fitted with powerful robotic legs that would let them “walk out” of the stadium. 

Murrayfield 2125: Robot waiters predicted for rugby fans in 100 years. STV News

The report considers the role of the stadium not only as a sporting venue, but also as a significant hub for communities both locally and nationally, serving fans across sport, music and entertainment. 

The report was released on Thursday through Scottish Gas and Scottish Rugby, who have been working together to decarbonise the Murrayfield Estate and to help communities across Scotland reduce their energy bills and carbon footprint.

From robot pitches that can stand up and walk away, to ‘space mirrors’ that can light up the pitch on demand, a series of possibilities have been imagined by the expected rapid advancements in technology as well as energy transition across the next 100 years. 

It’s even predicted that Scottish Gas Murrayfield could shift from a net energy consumer into an ‘energy bank’ for the local community, generating and storing energy for others to use; including hugely advanced solar panels that turn non-visible light into energy that can be used to power the community. 

Mr Cheesewright said: ”Stadiums are the venue for some of the most powerful shared human experiences.

“So to imagine the future of Scottish Gas Murrayfield is really about imagining the future of human experience and how it might be transformed by time – and technology.

“How we power these experiences, and every other aspect of our lives, is one of the defining issues of our day, so this has been a deeply engaging – and enjoyable – project.

“I’m really excited about some of the futures we have seen, from the practical to the fantastical, from a stadium that provides power to the community, to one that transforms like a giant robot.”

Chris O’Shea, chief executive of Centrica, owner of Scottish Gas, said: “Murrayfield is one of the world’s iconic sporting venues. We are incredibly proud that today it is known as Scottish Gas Murrayfield as part of our commitment to supporting rugby communities across Scotland by decarbonising the Murrayfield Estate and providing funding for grassroots clubs to lower their energy bills.

“And while we’re immensely proud of the impact of our partnership, we are dedicated to pushing the boundaries further to create a greener, cleaner and healthier Scotland.  

“This report not only throws up some really exciting innovations that would enhance the supporter experience, it also carefully considers how changes to the economy, the population, and the climate could drive innovation in the energy sector. Our job is to harness those innovations to support the communities that this great stadium serves.” 

Gerry Devine, Scottish Rugby’s head of stadium operations, said: “Scottish Gas Murrayfield has been at the heart of Scottish Rugby for a century, so seeing the futurist cast his expert eye forward another hundred years is really exciting.

“It helps us imagine new ways to both protect our planet and identify new opportunities to enhance our supporter experience, for whom Murrayfield must remain synonymous with quality and a great day out. Our focus is on meeting today’s demands and tomorrow’s challenges.

“Operating our iconic stadium requires constant investment, innovation, and care, embracing the technology we currently have at our disposal. 

“Murrayfield has always been prepared to innovate, including the famed electric blanket that was a first when installed in the 1950s!

“We’re already working hard to upgrade water systems, replace key infrastructure, and improve energy efficiency. I’m sure the futurist’s vision will inspire supporters – the ideas for Murrayfield to power its local community are certainly worthy of further conversation.” 