[ExI] AI-powered robot beats elite table tennis players

[BillK]

In feat hailed as milestone in robotics, Sony AI’s Ace wins three out
of five matches played under official rules
Ian Sample Science editor
Wed 22 Apr 2026

<https://www.theguardian.com/science/2026/apr/22/ai-powered-robot-beats-elite-table-tennis-players-milestone-robotics>#
Quote:
An AI-powered robot has beaten elite players at table tennis in a
significant achievement for a machine faced with human athletes in a
real-world competitive sport.
Named Ace, the robotic system developed by Sony AI, won three out of
five matches against elite players, but lost the two it played against
professionals.

The feat has been hailed as a milestone for robotics, a field that has
long seen table tennis – and the lightning-fast reactions, perception
and skill it demands – as one of the toughest tests of how far the
technology has advanced.
In the matches, played under official competition rules, Ace displayed
a mastery of spin, handled difficult shots, such as balls catching on
the net, and pulled off one rapid backspin shot that a professional
had thought impossible.
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The article includes two short videos of the robot in action.
Note that it is not a humanoid robot on two legs leaping around the table. :)
But still impressive!
BillK