1 / 4   Camel racing has long been a tradition in the vast stretches of deserts in the UAE. But technology is driving the old sport forward, with robots now replacing child jockeys. /VCG Photo

2 / 4   Children used to be recruited to command the camels because of their small frame, but in 2002 the practice was banned. Technology helped keep the weight on the animals minimal, without breaking the law. /VCG Photo

3 / 4   The robots are dressed in traditional jockey clothing, as these photos by amateur photographer Gaanesh Prasad show. /VCG Photo

4 / 4   The colorful robots hold walkie-talkies allowing the camel owners to deliver commands to the animals during the race, as well as a small automatic whip operated remotely. /VCG Photo