Manchester City have sealed a partnership with Chinese robotic firm UBTech, reports, www.sportspromedia.com/.

The agreement, the first between a European soccer club and a robotics firm, will see UBTech become Manchester City's official robot partner, with the company's humanoid robots around the Etihad Stadium during matchdays.

"Partnering with UBtech is a natural fit for Manchester City," said City Football Group's chief commercial officer Tom Glick.

"We can reinvent the fan experience, both at the Etihad Stadium and online, by using the pioneering technology they provide, and keeping the fans at the heart of the partnership."