A new robot called Ace can read ball trajectories, adjust its racket angle, and sustain competitive exchanges with human players.
Ace represents a step forward in robotics applied to sport. The machine processes incoming ball data in real time, calculating trajectory and velocity to position its racket accordingly. It then executes return strokes with enough precision and strategy to keep rallies going—a feat that requires both reaction speed and tactical awareness.
The robot's capability to engage with human opponents suggests potential applications beyond entertainment. Robot athletes could serve roles in player training, providing consistent opposition at adjustable difficulty levels. They might also help researchers understand human motor control and decision-making during dynamic competition.
Ace's development builds on existing work in robotic motion control and computer vision, applying these technologies to the specific demands of table tennis. The sport's fast pace and need for adaptive responses make it a suitable testing ground for coordination algorithms that could eventually transfer to other fields.
Dead zones in your home can be eliminated by converting an unused Android device into a Wi-Fi extender. The solution costs nothing and requires only basic setup.
Apple has introduced two new small-form-factor Mac computers designed to deliver powerful performance in compact designs. The releases expand Apple's lineup of portable computing devices.
China showcased its robotics capabilities at the 2nd World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing, where domestic machines competed in boxing and other events. The competition underscores China's growing momentum in the AI and robotics race against the United States.
A fresh wave of minimalist wearables is designed to monitor health metrics without bombarding users with alerts. The devices prioritize passive data collection over constant engagement.