Robot Beats Professional Ping Pong Players

A robot with artificial intelligence, Sony's Ace, has managed to defeat professional ping pong players, according to a study in Nature. The robot features nine cameras and a robotic arm, analyzing the ball's spin via its logo.

Its training was done with reinforcement learning. The tests took place on an Olympic-sized table in Tokyo. Professional players were impressed by Ace's capabilities. Former Olympian Kinjiro Nakamura stated that one of the robot's hits was 'impossible for a human'.

The technology can be applied in manufacturing, but concerns are raised about military applications.