(ECNS) -- AI-powered tennis robots are gaining popularity in China and overseas, offering players an affordable way to practice without booking a coach or finding a partner.
Unlike traditional ball machines, the mobile robots can traverse the court, deliver shots at different rhythms and adjust to incoming balls, creating an experience identical to competing against a real opponent. Capable of sustaining rallies on par with intermediate amateur players, the robots can cut private coaching costs by at least half.
Shared rental services have also made the technology more accessible. Players can scan a code to rent a robot at the courts, paying about 60 to 120 yuan ($8-$17) an hour. The devices have been deployed at many clubs across major Chinese cities.
Chinese companies are now exporting the products to more than 60 countries. OneRobotics has shipped about 6,000 units worldwide, with overseas buyers accounting for over 70% of sales. Another company, Pongbot, has sold more than 100,000 units, as AI sports hardware continues to expand globally.
(By Intern Lin Qiaochu, Zhang Dongfang)
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