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The IEEE Spectrum Video Friday roundup pairs two different kinds of robot coordination: Sony AI’s research video about training a robot to play ping-pong, and the Robotics and AI Institute’s AthenaZero juggling demonstration. One robot returns a fast-moving ball with a paddle; the other keeps balls aloft through direct hand contact and onboard sensory feedback, according to the roundup’s descriptions. These are research demonstrations, not evidence that the robots are consumer products.
What is in the ping-pong and juggling roundup?
The roundup frames its Sony AI clip with the question, “What does it take to train a robot to play ping-pong?” It also features AthenaZero juggling, described as barehanded juggling using onboard sensory feedback, without motion capture or assistance adding the third ball. Those descriptions are attributed to the roundup and the credited organizations; they do not establish comparable performance measurements for the two robots. IEEE Spectrum’s Video Friday roundup also previews other robotics demonstrations, but the available listing does not verify the full set of clips or their details.
| Demonstration | Task and interaction | What the roundup says |
|---|---|---|
| Sony AI ping-pong robot | Returns a table-tennis ball using a paddle | The clip asks what it takes to train a robot to play ping-pong; no specific sensing method, training details, or performance figures are established here. |
| AthenaZero | Keeps balls aloft through direct hand contact | The Robotics and AI Institute demonstration is described as using onboard sensory feedback, without motion capture or assistance adding the third ball. |
How do separate maker juggling projects work?
Several independent maker projects offer examples of how a robot might track a ball, but they are not established as clips in the Video Friday roundup. One project author describes trying three approaches across successive ping-pong-ball juggling builds:
- LED and phototransistor pairs: An early version used paired optical components to detect the ball.
- Microphones: Another version inferred ball position from differences in sound arrival timing.
- Camera tracking: A rebuilt version used a Raspberry Pi 2 and camera to calculate the ball’s position. The author also reported using Nema17 stepper motors and belt-drive components.
The author said the camera-based prototype juggled for about two minutes before misjudging the ball and dropping it. That is one project author’s account of that particular build, not a benchmark for juggling robots generally. The maker’s project page describes the attempts and components.
#1 Best Overall
- Smart Table Tennis Robot -Our "NOVA S Pro" equipped with 2 BASF ball throw wheels. Frequency:30-90 balls/min, max 0.66s/ball, 11-level. Speed:Max 15m/s, 21-level. 9 types of spin. Rotation speed:60r/s, 21-level. Support count, combo, double bounce ball serving.
- APP & Remote Control -Experienceunparalleled flexibility with our ping pong ball machine that can be controlled via an app or remote control. Tweak spin, rotation intensity, landing point, ball speed, hight and frequency to personalize your workout.
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A different Hackaday.io project describes a ball-juggling platform built around a six-degree-of-freedom Stewart platform with six brushless motors. Its creator says the project implements inverse kinematics and inverse dynamics to generate continuous trajectories while attempting complex patterns. The description does not establish a juggling duration or independently validated performance. The BLDC juggler project page provides its own technical description.
Is the performance called Pong part of the roundup?
Not on the evidence available. A separate artistic production called Pong combines a ping-pong-ball-launching robot, juggling, and table music. Its production page lists creation for autumn 2027 and no scheduled date; it is not confirmed as a Video Friday feature. The production page describes the performance and its schedule.
Rank #2
- Suz S201 is designed to work properly when at least 20 balls are available below the feeding tube. If the machine does not serve properly, make sure that there are enough balls around the feeding tube and the ball frequency on the control box is at least setting 1 or 2. Make sure enough balls around the feeding tube,Tighten the net a little, let the tilt rise a little, so the balls will came to the feeding tude.
- Adjust robot head up and down, you can play direct serve or indirect serve. how to adjust robot head up and down can send us message for video. If you would like to play direct serve (i.e., the served ball bounces one time on the table before you hit the ball), set topspin to 6 and backspin to 2 or 3 on the control box. If you would like to play indirect serve (i.e., the served ball bounces two times on the table before you hit the ball), set topspin to 4 and backspin to 3 on the control box.
- Read the manual for instructions on how to install the robot.How to install power cord, put in power cord behind the control box.(not the back of the machine,put in power cord behind the control box )
- Can only be placed on table tennis tables less than 2.5 inches thick. if table tennis table is more than 2.5 inches thick is not suitable for our robot.
- The manufacturer will provide replacement parts for any damage caused by normal wear and tear within one year from the purchase of Suz table tennis robots. If you need any help, please email the manufacturer. The manufacturer's email address can be found in the manual.
What the demonstrations do—and do not—show
The roundup’s two featured examples make a useful distinction: returning a ball with a paddle is a different task from keeping balls aloft through hand contact. The descriptions also point to different stated control contexts: the AthenaZero clip is described as using onboard sensory feedback, while the roundup does not provide enough information to specify the ping-pong robot’s sensing or training methods. The available material does not support ranking one robot against the other or treating either as a purchasable, ready-to-use product.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Can only be placed on table tennis tables less than 2.5 inches thick. if table tennis table is more than 2.5 inches thick is not suitable for our robot
- Suz table tennis robots is designed to work properly when at least 20 balls are available in the storage tube. If the machine does not serve properly, make sure that there are enough balls in the storage tube and the ball frequency on the remote control is at least setting 1 or 2.
- Adjust robot head up and down, you can play direct serve or indirect serve . how to adjust robot head up and down can send us message for video. If you would like to play direct serve (i.e., the served ball bounces one time on the table before you hit the ball), set topspin to 6 and backspin to 2 or 3 on remote control. If you would like to play indirect serve (i.e., the served ball bounces two times on the table before you hit the ball), set topspin to 4 and backspin to 3 on remote control
- If balls come out very weak and cannot go over the net. please check installation Step 3, put the USB out and plug in again. Set topspin to 4 and backspin to 3 on the remote control and see if ok
- Read the manual for instructions on how to install the robot. If you need any help, please email the manufacturer. The manufacturer's email address can be found in the manual.The manufacturer will provide free replacement parts for any damage caused by normal wear and tear within one year from the purchase of Suz table tennis robots
Rank #4
- JOOLA - AN OLYMPIC TABLE TENNIS BRAND TRUSTED FOR 60+ YEARS: Launched in the 1950s, JOOLA has been the proud sponsor of the biggest tournaments in the world, Including the Olympics, World Championships, and US Open. Equipment designed for all levels.
- ENTRY LEVEL PING PONG BALL MACHINE: The perfect practice partner for table tennis players looking to master the basics. The launcher can shoot up to 30 ping pong balls per minute. Great for solo practice or creating fun ping pong games at home or office.
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- ARRIVES 100% ASSEMBLED: Just pop in 4 AA batteries and press the on button! (Batteries not included). Our easy to use ping pong ball thrower doesn't require any app downloads or complicated instructions, it is as simple as flipping a switch.
- 20 HIGH QUALITY PING PONG BALLS INCLUDED: Each 40mm ABS training ball has been put through a rigorous quality assurance process to ensure perfect roundness and durability. Table tennis robot is compatible with all brands of standard 40mm ping pong balls.
Rank #3
- Includes a net that simplifies the setup process
- Can be controlled via a remote or a smartphone app, giving the user multiple options
- Comes programmed with 264 drills, providing a broad range of training possibilities
- Enables the user to create custom drills, making it a versatile tool
- Perfect for players of all skill levels, including beginners and advanced players alike
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