Ace the Ping-Pong Robot Can Whup Your Ass

Sony AI researchers reported in Nature that Ace, an AI-powered table tennis robot, can compete under official rules.

Ace won some matches against high-level amateur players, but had more difficulty against professional players.

The result highlights progress in autonomous robots handling fast physical tasks that require sensing, split-second decisions, and precise control.

The work could help advance robotics and sports training technologies.