Ping-pong robots are a recent innovation in table tennis that allows players to practice without a partner and improve all areas of their game from topspin techniques and rallying skills to footwork. While purists may prefer to play against a human being, there is no doubt that a ping-pong robot is a convenient way to practice and improve your skills if you are alone.
Ping-pong robots allow players to practice without a partner.
What is a Ping-Pong Robot?
A ping-pong robot, also known as a table tennis robot, is a machine that automatically fires table tennis balls from one end of the table to the other, allowing a player to practice their game alone.
A ping-pong robot has three main elements:
- A mechanism to load and fire the ping-pong balls.
- A control box to automatically program and control the firing of the balls
- Nets to catch the balls.
Most ping-pong robots are powered by electricity, so will need an electricity supply close by.
How Do Ping-Pong Robots Work?
There are many different models of ping-pong robots on the market, however, they all work on the same principle. The firing mechanism on the robot is placed at the end of the table tennis table and pointed towards the opposite end where the player will stand.
A supply of table tennis balls is loaded into the firing mechanism of the ping-pong robot – the number of balls will depend on the model of the machine. The robot can be programmed to deliver balls at varying speeds and different types of spins ranging from backspin, topspin, left- and right-side spins, as well as a combination of spins.
Premium ping-pong machines will also have several features such as:
- Nets that can be attached to the end and sides of the table to catch the balls
- A back feeder for the balls so you don’t run out of balls while practising
- Personalized features such as being able to angle the firing mechanism to suit your style of play.
A ping-pong robot automatically fires table tennis balls from one end of the table to the other, allowing a player to practice their game alone.
What Can a Ping-Pong Robot Do?
Some ping-pong robots come with just a few basic features, while others have complex computers that can be programmed to deliver a variety of training drills, speed, and spin variations.
Here are some of the things a table tennis robot can do:
Ball Frequency
A ping-pong robot can shoot up to 80 – 100 balls per minute and you can change the frequency to suit your skill level.
Speed
Some ping-pong robots can vary the speed of the ball, so you choose faster or slower shots.
Placement
You can decide where the robot shoots and places the ball. Basic entry-level models may only be able to place the ball in one or two positions, while higher-end ping-pong robots can place the ball in multiple positions and can switch between positions for each ball.
Spin Variation
Mid-range and higher-level ping-pong robots can shoot backspins, top-spins, sidespins, or floats, giving a more realistic table tennis playing experience.
Random Play
Ping-pong robots can shoot balls in a random order, random placement, random speed, or random spin. Entry-level robots will have more limited randomization options, whereas top-of-the-range robots will be able to do a lot more randomization.
Realistic Service
You can tilt the ping-pong robot head downwards, so that the ball bounces on the other side of the table first, replicating a serve.
Pre-Set Training Drills
Some ping-pong robots will come with pre-set training drills, where the robot will shoot the balls in a set sequence.
Programmable Training Drills
Some ping-pong robots will allow you to program your training drills. You can choose the specific sequence of balls the robot shoots at you.
Ball Recycling
Some ping-pong robots (mainly mid-range or top-of-the-range) come with a ball recycling facility, which is a collection net that funnels the ball back into the robot and allows for continuous play.
Ping-pong robots can shoot balls in a random order, random placement, random speed, or random spin.
Best Ping-Pong Robot
We hit the ping-pong table and tested some of the best ping-pong robots on the market.
Entry-Level Ping-Pong Robots
Best suited for beginner players, entry-level ping-pong robots have a few basic features, such as being able to change ball frequency, ball placement, and spin, however, they probably won’t have pre-set training drills and offer random play.
Entry-level ping-pong robots are usually much smaller than mid-range and top-of-the-range robots, making them easier to set up and take less storage space. However, the downside is that they don’t hold as many balls.
JOOLA Buddy Top Spin V100 Table Tennis Robot
The Joola TT Buddy V100 is a simple, budget-friendly table tennis machine that is ideal for home-usage. The main features of this TT robot include an adjustable ball ejection frequency, topspin serving, and storage for about 100 balls. The Joola TT Buddy V100 can be assembled and disassembled very quickly, and easily and only weighs about 1.1 kg, making it easy to store and transport.
The Joola TT Buddy V100 offers adjustable ball ejection frequencies, and the operation can be done via remote control – a power supply is included with the machine.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to assemble
- Adjustable ball ejection frequency
- 100 ball storage capacity
Cons
- No net included
- Topspin balls only
- No oscillating function
- Poor ball precision
No products found.
iPong Original Table Tennis Trainer Robot
The iPong Original Table Tennis Trainer Robot is another great option for beginner ping-pong players and has five different settings, including backspin, topspin, no spin, oscillation, and adjustable frequency, and you can customize your own set of complete drills and train on your own time.
The robot holds up to 110 balls and delivers balls at an adjustable frequency of between 12 to 70 balls per minute. It is quick and easy to assemble and includes a remote control, an A/C adapter, and an instruction manual. It also includes an IPONG Telescoping Pickup Net to easily sweep up all the balls and save time on clean-up and 80 high-quality 40mm ABS training balls.
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Five settings
- Customizable training drills
- Remote control
- IPONG Telescoping Pickup Net to sweep up all the balls
Cons
- Only 80 balls
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CHAOFAN 36 Spins Ping Pong Ball
The CHAOFAN 36 Spins Ping Pong Ball robot can accommodate about 110 table tennis and has a wired remote control for better operation the use of the machine’s various functions. The machine can be adjusted to suit your space and skill level and is easy to install. The ping-pong robot has an oscillation range of about 15 ° and two serving types, and the robot head has seven arc positions.
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Five arc positions
- Space for 110 table tennis balls
Cons
- Only two serving types
No products found.
WAYMARK Economic Ping Pong Robot
The WAYMARK Economic Ping Pong Robot is a budget-friendly choice for beginner players with a maximum ball collection capacity of 100 balls and a ball frequency of 40 – 70 balls per minute. The machine delivers an adjustable spin type, including topspin, backspin, non-spin, left and right-side spin, and offers a ball speed of between four and 40 meters per second.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Easy to assemble
- Can hold up to 100 balls
- Delivers a variety of spins and angles
- A range of frequency settings
Cons
- Not suitable for intermediate or advanced players
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Mid-Range Ping-Pong Robots
Mid-range ping-pong robots have a range of features to test both intermediate and advanced players, including ball frequency, ball speed, and ball placement. These mid-range ping-pong robots can also deliver the ball in a random sequence and some models come with pre-set training drills and allow you to program your training drills. They also come with a ball recycling system, allowing you more playtime.
iPong V300 Table Tennis Training Robot
The iPong V300 Table Tennis Training Robot is designed for all levels of ping-pong players. It comes with a wireless remote control memory button that controls the robot from a distance and the robot can deliver a variety of spins, directions, ball speeds, and ball frequencies.
The iPong V300 Table Tennis Training Robot can shoot up to 70 balls per minute and is quick and easy to assemble. It has an improved motor and shooting wheels that allow for improved accuracy and consistency, stronger ball launch with increased spin, quieter operation, and increased long-term performance.
It also has a new feeder disc design that prevents balls from jamming in the machine and the robot holds over 100 40mm or 40+ Poly table tennis balls. The ping-pong robot delivers balls at an adjustable frequency ranging from 12 to 70 balls per minute.
The iPong V300 Table Tennis Training Robot’s wireless remote control allows players to switch between endless shot options ranging from levels 0-9 and includes topspin speed and underspin speed, side-to-side oscillation, and ball frequency.
Pros
- Strong ball launch and increased spin
- Improved accuracy and consistency
- Increased long-term performance
- Quieter operation
- Updated feeder disc to prevent ball jams
- Updated wireless remote control for easier use
Cons
- Not suitable for intermediate or advanced players
No products found.
Newgy Robo-Pong 2050 Digital Table Tennis Robot
The Newgy Robo-Pong Pro Digital Table Tennis Robot is a revolutionary digital robot that provides easy precision for ball speed, placement, and frequency. It features a digital controller that provides simple manual control over each function, which includes topspin, backspin, left sidespin, right sidespin, combination spin, and a variety of shot selections from chopping, countering, and pushing to lobbing and fast looping.
The ping-pong robot fits all standard ping-pong tables and is easy to set up, use, take down, store and transport. The machine’s Drill Mode offers 64 pre-programmed drills for various playing levels and allows you to also create your custom drills and train your strokes, footwork, transitions, and other skills.
Pros
- Suitable for intermediate players
- Offers 64 pre-programmed drills
- Delivers a variety of spins and angles
- A range of frequency settings
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Top-of-the-Range Ping-Pong Robots
Top-of-the-range ping-pong robots have all the bells and whistles and come with a hefty price tag. The big advantage of high-end models is that they can produce a different spin with each ball in a sequence, simulating what happens when you play table tennis.
Practice Partner Table Tennis Robot
The Practice Partner Table Tennis Robot is a great option for all levels of ping-pong players and fits all ping-pong tables. It is quick and easy to assemble and can be positioned anywhere on top of a ping pong table to get different angles and trajectories.
The Practice Partner 20 can hold up to 200 balls and has a ball feeding unit made of alloy with resistant rubber which stabilizes the direction and placement of the ball. The machine delivers topspin, backspin, or sidespin; has a two-bounce serve and a one-bounce return.
Frequency settings range from 1-9, producing 25-80 balls per minute, and balls can be fixed to land in one or two locations or can oscillate. A pause button allows you to take a break during a given sequence and the trajectory can be adjusted to simulate a low serve or high return.
Pros
- Suitable for all levels
- Easy to assemble
- Can hold up to 200 balls
- Delivers a variety of spins and angles
- A range of frequency settings
Cons
- Expensive
No products found.
Newgy Robo-Pong 3050XL Digital Table Tennis Robot
The Newgy Robo-Pong 3050XL Digital Table Tennis Robot is a revolutionary digital robot that provides easy precision for ball speed, placement, and frequency. It features a digital controller that provides simple manual control over each function, which includes topspin, backspin, left sidespin, right sidespin, combination spin, and a variety of shot selections from chopping, countering, and pushing to lobbing and fast looping.
The ping-pong robot fits all standard ping-pong tables and is easy to set up, use, take down, store and transport. The machine’s Drill Mode offers 64 pre-programmed drills for various playing levels and allows you to also create your custom drills and train your strokes, footwork, transitions, and other skills.
Pros
- Suitable for intermediate players
- Offers 64 pre-programmed drills
- Delivers a variety of spins and angles
- A range of frequency settings
No products found.
Suz Table Tennis Robot
The Suz Table Tennis Robot has an intelligent design that can serve nine kinds of spinning balls with different frequencies and speeds, including topspin, backspin, left-spin, right-spin, and mixed spin. The ping pong robot comes with a ball recycling net collection system that can accommodate about 200 table tennis balls and collect them automatically.
The robot is adjustable so you can move it around to suit your needs and there are analog controls for ball speed, frequency and oscillation, strong and weak balls, and high and low balls.
Pros
- Ball recycling net collection system
- Easy to assemble
- Can hold up to 200 balls
- Delivers a variety of spins and angles
- Analog controls for a range of drills
Cons
- Expensive
No products found.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are ping-pong robots worth it?
Absolutely! Ping-pong robots can help you train and improve your skills without a training partner as they can mimic what happens in a game.
What does a ping-pong robot do?
A ping pong robot simulates a live table tennis player to enable someone to play with it like they would in real life. It’s a great option if you want to train alone, don’t have a training partner, or want to exercise in a fun way for health and fitness.
Can a ping-pong robot help you improve?
Yes, they can help you improve your skills and your game overall. They have various settings that can increase the difficulty levels for you to improve your performance continually.
What are the benefits of using a ping-pong robot
Some of the many benefits of using a ping-pong robot include:
- It allows you to practice alone
- It’s a cheap alternative to a coaching session
- It allows you to practice for as long as you want
- It’s a great form of cardiovascular exercise
- You can avoid unnecessary game breaks
- Helps you to improve your footwork and weak strokes
- Improves overall performance
- Perfect for a beginner who is learning the game
Jacky has a degree in Sports Science and is a Certified Sports and Conditioning Coach. He has also worked with clients around the world as a personal trainer.
He has been fortunate enough to work with a wide range of people from very different ends of the fitness spectrum. Through promoting positive health changes with diet and exercise, he has helped patients recover from aging-related and other otherwise debilitating diseases.
He spends most of his time these days writing fitness-related content of some form or another. He still likes to work with people on a one-to-one basis – he just doesn’t get up at 5am to see clients anymore.