AI-powered robot successfully outplays professional table tennis opponents

Technology
23 Apr 2026 • 5:47 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

AI-powered robot successfully outplays professional table tennis opponents

  • An AI-powered robot named Ace, developed by Sony AI, has successfully outplayed elite table tennis players.
  • The robot won three out of five matches against professional opponents, losing only two games.
  • Footage from a research paper published on 22 April showed Ace demonstrating expert skills, including rapid backspin shots and catching balls on the net.
  • This victory is being hailed as a significant milestone for robotics, showcasing the advanced capabilities of the technology.
  • The achievement represents one of the most challenging tests to date for autonomous robots in competitive sports.

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