This robot can play Ping-Pong like a pro. In fact, Guinness World Records just named it the first-ever robotic table tennis tutor.
The robot, called FORPHEUS, uses cameras and sophisticated artificial intelligence software to analyze opponents’ movements and anticipate what shot they will hit next. Sensors then track the ball’s location to predict its trajectory, or path of a flying object, so the robot can keep the rally going. After a match, players can see an analysis of their game and learn how to improve it.
Engineers at the Japanese company OMRON built the robot to study how humans and machines interact. “FORPHEUS was designed to act as a coach, not just to beat human players,” says Haruka Kumazawa, an OMRON spokesperson.