Robot Tennis Coach Outperforms Human Trainers in Test

Forget waiting for court time with your local tennis pro. A new AI robot is changing how players train, and it's proving surprisingly effective.

Journalist Bronwyn Thompson put the Pongbot Pace S Pro through its paces and declared it the best tennis coach she's ever had. The machine delivers balls at speeds up to 80 mph with topspin, backspin, and flat shots while offering over 500 training programs.

The system works like having a tireless practice partner who never gets frustrated. It launches balls every 1.5 seconds, adjusts depth and trajectory, and can deliver drives, slices, lobs, and drop shots. Players can create custom workouts that match their skill level and goals.

Setup is straightforward. The unit needs minimal assembly and can work with a remote control or smartphone app. Thompson recommends the app for easier programming, though she appreciated having a device that doesn't require a phone to function.

The 42-pound machine rolls like a suitcase and holds up to 150 balls in its container. Thompson found it manageable to transport, though getting it into a car trunk requires some effort. Once at the court, it handled uneven gravel surfaces better than expected.

The Ripple Effect

The AI mode takes training further. A wearable sensor tracks where the player stands on the court and adjusts ball direction automatically. The robot can even wait until players recover their position before launching the next shot, mimicking how a thoughtful coach would pace a session.

This technology makes quality tennis training accessible to more people. No need to coordinate schedules with a coach or pay for ongoing lessons. Players can practice anytime their local court is available.

Thompson hadn't played in two years but started with easy baseline drills. The machine adapted to her rusty skills, letting her build confidence before ramping up difficulty. Even on the simple setting, outdoor wind conditions kept each shot slightly different, maintaining challenge without overwhelming a returning player.

The only downside? Players still need to gather all those balls themselves after each session.

Advanced players benefit too, with the machine delivering professional-level speeds and spin rates up to 60 revolutions per second. That kind of consistent, high-quality practice would cost thousands in private coaching sessions.

Tennis training just got more democratic, effective, and fun.