Forpheus for all

Forpheus. © Omron.

Japanese company Omron has developed a table tennis robot called Forpheus, which will not only play with you but also teach, coach and encourage you along the way. Forpheus (“Future Omron Robotics technology for Exploring Possibility of Harmonized aUtomation with Sinic theoretics”) uses a robotic arm controlled by AI through a 5-axis motor system. Two cameras mounted on each side of the robot help it identify the ping-pong balls, while a motion controller controls the timing and direction of the paddle within 1,000th of a second and 0.1mm. Another camera tracks the human player’s movements to judge their skill and adjust Forpheus’ playing level accordingly, while flashing encouraging messages on an LED screen on the table net.

⇨ Circuit Breaker, “This AI robot will strengthen your ping-pong skills and your relationship with your daughter.”