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Sony AI develops robot capable of competing with elite table tennis players
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
Sony's artificial intelligence unit has developed an AI-powered robotic arm named "Ace" that can perceive, react to, and return shots from elite-level table tennis players. The research, published in the journal Nature, details how Ace, a bulky industrial robot, can make split-second decisions and execute agile movements. In initial tests, Ace won three out of five matches against elite players, with other matches being competitive. Sony AI noted that Ace continued to improve its performance, winning more recent matches against professionals with higher shot speeds and more aggressive shot placement. According to Sony AI, this development lays the groundwork for AI systems that can safely and reliably operate in dynamic physical environments, extending beyond previous table tennis robots that only reached amateur levels. Peter Stone, chief scientist at Sony AI, stated that AI operating at an expert human level in such conditions opens the door to a new class of real-world applications.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
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