Acemate unveils AI-powered Tennis Robot: An NTRP 1.0 to 6.0 rally and serve partner

Acemate has released Tennis Robot, an AI-powered rally machine that can serve and return shots. The robot replaces the need to coordinate schedules and match play levels with human partners.

The Tennis Robot is designed to rally with tennis players rated between NTRP 1.0 and 6.0, with performance just short of a professional tennis player rated at 7.0. The machine carries up to 80 tennis balls and is powered by a swappable 6,700 mAh battery for up to three hours of playtime.

The AI-powered tennis partner can serve at up to 80 mph (129 kph) and rally with adjustable topspin, backspin, flat shots, and slices. The machine can even lob balls up to 26.2 ft. (8 m) high. Mechanum (omnidirectional) wheels allow the robot to move at up to 16.4 ft. per sec. (5 m per sec.) while chasing down balls across clay, grass, and hard tennis courts.

Stereo 4K cameras are used to track balls with a reaction time of 0.15 seconds, enabling a return rate of over 90%, according to Acemate. Tennis players can track their own statistics on a connected smartphone. The app details statistics on the ball and returns, including where on the court every ball lands. Smartwatches can also be used to set the desired rally type and skill level.

The Acemate Tennis Robot has an MSRP of $2,499, but can be pre-ordered for $1,599, with shipping starting in November 2025. A pickleball version of the Acemate robot is in the works.

Readers who want to learn tennis can start with a good, basic racquet (like this one on Amazon) and a pack of tennis balls (like this one on Amazon).