The video itself is undeniably fun to watch. There is something slightly surreal, and admittedly a bit funny, about seeing a humanoid robot charging down a running track like it has somewhere very important to be. It feels less like watching a smooth Olympic sprinter and more like seeing a determined machine late for its own firmware update.

Fast, but not world record fast

What’s worth noting here is that the robot has hit 10.1 meters per second at one point. Which is not the same as averaging that speed from start to finish. Bolt’s 9.58 second world record works out to an average speed of 10.44 metres per second across the full 100 metres, despite starting from a standstill.

That is the part that often gets lost when these clips start doing the rounds on social media. Peak speed is the headline number. But average speed is what the stopwatch cares about. A car touching 200 km/h for a second on a straight is not the same as averaging that across an entire lap, and the same logic applies here.

The H1 is clearly quick, and much quicker than most people would expect from a full-sized humanoid (minus the head). But it needs further improvements before it can genuinely be mentioned in the same breath as elite sprinting performance.

The movement still looks very robotic

There is also the small matter of how it moves. The H1’s stride looks fast, but not exactly graceful. It is more rapid mechanical stepping than fluid sprint mechanics. In fairness, that is part of what makes the clip so compelling.

Human sprinters make running at that speed look almost effortless, even though it is anything but. The robot, by contrast, looks like it is working extremely hard for every metre. There is a slight drift in its line too, which adds to the sense that this is still very much an engineering demo rather than something ready for lane four at the Olympics.

That said, it is still a serious technical achievement. Keeping a humanoid stable at these speeds is no small task. Balance, foot placement, traction, and real-time correction all need to work together, and one bad step could easily send it face-first onto the track.

Bolt can still sleep easy – for now…

So, is Bolt’s record under threat? Not yet. The robot would need faster acceleration, better directional control and, most importantly, the ability to sustain a much higher average pace over the full distance.

Still, this is the sort of thing that makes for great headlines and even better videos. For now, the record books remain safe, but it is not every day a robot gives sprint fans a reason to check the numbers twice.

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How the robot actually learned to play

The interesting part is not just that the robot can hit a tennis ball. It is how it learned to do it.

Instead of relying on perfect motion capture data, the researchers used short fragments of human movements. Things like forehand swings, backhand strokes and basic footwork. These fragments were not precise, and they did not represent full tennis rallies.

The system stitches together these fragments using a learned latent action space. In simple terms, it builds a library of movement building blocks and then figures out how to combine them in real time. So instead of copying a textbook forehand, it learns something closer to how a human moves when playing tennis, then refines that into something usable.

There is also a clever workaround for one of the hardest problems in tennis, wrist control. The robot’s high-level controller directly adjusts the wrist during play, rather than relying on the imperfect training data.

That alone tells you how messy this problem is. Even humans struggle to explain what their wrist is doing mid-swing.

What the video actually shows

The video doing the rounds online makes this look almost match-ready, but it is worth looking a bit closer.

The robot is genuinely tracking the ball and returning shots. This is not stitched footage or selective cuts. But the rally is clearly controlled. The human is feeding relatively clean, predictable balls rather than pushing the pace or mixing things up.

But it’s still impressive. And fairly surreal.

The system works because it can anticipate fairly consistent trajectories. You do not see last-second adjustments or recovery from awkward bounces. The swings are functional, not precise, and there is a slight hesitation between movements that would become more obvious if the tempo increased.

What does stand out is the coordination.

The footwork is surprisingly decent. The robot repositions itself, shuffles across the court, and times its swings in a way that feels closer to natural movement than earlier humanoid demos. It is not fluid in a human sense, but it is not rigid either.

What it can actually do on court

This is not just a one-hit demo.

The system can sustain multi-shot rallies with human players and return balls across different areas of the court. The incoming balls in testing travel at speeds above 15 metres per second. Which is more basic level tennis. But if this is the worst its ever going to be, it makes you wonder.

In simulation, the robot handles thousands of trials and consistently returns balls close to target areas. In real-world testing, performance holds up across forehand and backhand strokes, as well as different court positions.

There is also another interesting detail. When two of these systems play each other in simulation, they can keep rallies going for up to 25 consecutive shots.

Why this is more interesting than it looks

Robots playing sports is not new. There have been table tennis bots, badminton experiments, even robot football teams. What stands out here is the approach.

Most systems depend on clean, high-quality motion data or unrealistic physics assumptions. This one leans into imperfect data and still produces movement that looks relatively natural.

That has broader implications. If a robot can learn a complex physical skill like tennis from messy, incomplete data, it suggests the same approach could work for other real-world tasks. Anything involving coordination, timing, and adaptation.

Also, instead of trying to perfectly model physics, the system trains with a wide range of variations. Friction, mass, air drag, all of it gets randomised. That makes the robot more robust when moving from simulation to reality.

Where this could go next

Before anyone starts worrying about being replaced at Wimbledon, there are limits.

The setup still relies on motion capture systems to track the robot and the ball. The rallies are controlled, and the robot is not diving for impossible shots or dealing with real match pressure.

The next step is moving away from motion capture and toward vision-based systems, so the robot can operate independently. Another direction is training in more realistic match conditions, with unpredictable shots and longer rallies.

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Players push for more in-match data

On Sunday in his 4th round match, Alcaraz was spotted wearing a Whoop on his right wrist and was quickly told to take it off by the umpire. Shortly after, Whoop CEO Will Ahmed voiced his frustration on social media, calling the decision “ridiculous” and stating that the tracker poses no safety risk. “Let the athletes measure their bodies. Data is not steroids!” he added in a post on X.

Jannik Sinner faced the same request in the tournament, after wearing his Whoop tucked under a wristband. Like Alcaraz, he complied, but said afterwards that the decision was disappointing. He explained that he and his team had no intention of using the device for live data, but rather to analyse post-match heart rate, calorie burn and effort metrics. For Sinner, these insights are useful in tailoring future training sessions and refining recovery strategies.

“I understand. I won’t use it again,” he said after advancing to the quarter-finals. “There are other things we could use. The vest with a tracker inside. But it’s a bit uncomfortable, you feel like you have something on your shoulders.”

His comments point to the shift that has been happening in the sport. More players are integrating physiological data into their match preparation and recovery routines. I mean, why wouldn’t they? Aryna Sabalenka was also seen wearing a Whoop tracker during the event

Grand Slam rules lag behind pro tour standards

Tennis Australia, which oversees the Australian Open, confirmed that wearable tech is currently not allowed during play at Grand Slam events. That puts it at odds with the broader rules of the sport. The International Tennis Federation includes the Whoop strap on its official list of approved Player Analysis Technology. The same goes for the ATP and WTA tours, where wearables are permitted under specific guidelines.

That split in policy creates a grey area for players and their teams. On one hand, governing bodies encourage smarter recovery and performance tracking. On the other, players risk penalties if they try to wear the same tech on the sport’s biggest stages.

In most other sports, wearable sensors have become standard. They’re in team kits, shoes and jerseys, often with league support. Tennis remains one of the more conservative corners of pro sport when it comes to tech integration, with Grand Slam tournaments especially reluctant to modernise.

Commercial partnerships complicate the picture

There’s also a commercial angle here. Whoop has marketing deals with several high-profile players and teams, and its strap is marketed specifically as something athletes can wear throughout their day. The brand is known for pushing the limits of real-time physiological data, especially in endurance and combat sports. Tennis fits neatly into that strategy.

But tournament organisers may be wary of giving visibility to commercial brands unless they’re official sponsors. That could partly explain the tension at this year’s event.

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A tennis bag that trains with you

The core idea behind the Nisplay Y1 is to reduce the hassle of setting up a ball machine. It combines gear storage and training functionality into a single compact unit. There’s no need to lug around multiple pieces of equipment or find a separate power source on the court. Instead, players can unzip the bag, turn it on and start hitting. Nisplay says the transition from bag to ball launch takes only seconds.

The outer build uses soft-touch vegan leather with quality zippers and fastenings, along with an ergonomic back panel and padded straps. The look is intentionally clean, avoiding the bulky industrial design of traditional ball machines. There are also magnetic modular attachments for extras like bottles, towels and rackets.

Training features with a focus on flexibility

Inside the Y1 is a dual-wheel launcher designed to produce topspin, backspin and flat shots. You can choose between pre-set drills that target different skills, or you can manually configure your own. The system supports up to 15 court target zones, with shot combinations adjustable to suit everything from basic consistency work to more intense rally simulation.

An interesting feature is the so-called Ball Boy mode. It offers one-shot-at-a-time delivery for serve practice or recovery drills, letting users control the pace more naturally. You can switch modes using the included controller, through a smartphone app or even via Apple Watch or voice command. The whole setup is built to be used solo, without needing to walk back and forth to tweak settings.

More than just tennis

Nisplay is positioning the Y1 as a multi-sport device. While it’s launching with tennis as the main focus, there are plans to support padel and pickleball too. Players in those communities often face the same challenges: inconsistent practice partners and limited access to training equipment. A portable launcher that fits in with standard gear bags could help bridge that gap.

There’s also a custom 58-inch mini racket accessory being offered. It’s meant for precision and control training, pushing users to move more deliberately and sharpen footwork. It’s optional, but it ties in with the broader goal of making practice sessions more engaging and dynamic.

Kickstarter coming soon

Now, this sounds very much along the lines of the Slinger Bag which we reviewed a few years ago. But something that is smaller in size. More recently we reviewed PongBot Pace S Pro – that one doesn’t look like a tennis bag but is one of the most feature-packed tennis robots you can purchase today.

The Y1 isn’t out yet, but early backers can place a refundable deposit to lock in a lower launch price. Nisplay lists the VIP tier at $499, compared to a future MSRP of $1,199. Actual payment only happens once the Kickstarter campaign goes live and hits its funding target.

This also isn’t Nisplay’s first rodeo. Their earlier L1 ball machine launched on Kickstarter back in 2022 and raised over $1 million from more than 2,000 backers. That model leaned more toward a compact traditional launcher, but it showed the company could deliver on crowdfunding promises.

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Among the growing list of performance-focused wearables, Helio Glasses stand out because they try to solve a simple problem in a very direct way. Runners and cyclists often glance down at their wrist mid-effort to check pace or heart rate. That moment of distraction is usually brief, but it can still affect form, awareness or even safety. Helio’s idea is to remove that need entirely by placing your data in front of you, just inside your field of vision.

A heads-up display for runners and cyclists

This early concept is meant for outdoor athletes who want real-time stats without the break in concentration. When paired with an Amazfit smartwatch, the Helio Glasses project pace, heart rate, and even navigation data into your forward view. You stay locked in and moving, with no downward glance required.

The units on show at CES are still very much prototypes. But the glasses will be lightweight, built with impact-resistant polycarbonate, and water- and sweat-resistant. Battery life has been tuned for endurance sessions, with Zepp Health saying it should easily last through a full marathon.

Controls are kept simple. You can adjust settings using buttons on the frame, or just manage things from your paired Amazfit watch. The idea is to avoid fiddling mid-run and let the glasses do their job quietly in the background.

A growing category of glanceable data glasses

Helio isn’t the only device trying to solve the wrist-glancing problem. ENGO 2 has been around for a while, using ActiveLook tech to show pace, heart rate, and distance right in your line of sight. It works with a bunch of watches and cycling computers, and it’s built specifically for endurance sports. It’s light, simple, and does exactly what most runners or riders need without overcomplicating things.

Form is another name that often comes up, but it’s a different story. Their smart goggles are built for swimmers, showing stroke rate, splits, and other data while you’re underwater. So while the idea is similar, put stats where your eyes are, it’s not aimed at runners.

Helio follows the same stripped-back approach. It’s not trying to replace your watch or act like a full-on AR headset. You wear it, it shows you what you need, and that’s it.

Not for sale just yet

Zepp Health has made it clear this is not a product launch. The Helio Glasses are concept-only for now, with a tentative target of the second half of 2026 if development stays on track. Details like pricing, hardware specs and final design are still up in the air.

Still, it is an interesting direction. And given how common it is to see runners and cyclists lifting their wrist mid-activity, it’s not hard to see the appeal. Whether the execution lives up to the idea remains to be seen.

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The footage is brief, but it is dense with implications. Tennis is not a forgiving activity for a humanoid form. It demands balance during lateral movement, fast visual tracking of a small object, timing of arm swings, and stability at the moment of impact. Walker S2 manages all of this without appearing stiff or unstable, which is what makes the demo worth a closer look.

What actually happens in the video

The robot stands opposite a human player and engages in a controlled rally. The pace is moderate. Shots are fed cleanly and predictably. Walker S2 steps into position, swings its racket, and sends the ball back over the net. Movements look coordinated rather than pre-frozen, with visible weight shifts and recovery after each hit.

This is not a robot planted in place with a single repetitive motion. Foot placement changes between shots. The torso rotates with the swing. Balance holds during contact, which is a critical detail. Many humanoid demos fall apart at this exact moment, when impact forces expose weak control loops.

At the same time, the sequence stays within a narrow envelope. The robot does not sprint, dive, or handle unpredictable spin. That appears deliberate. The goal here is controlled demonstration rather than stress testing.

Why tennis is a revealing test

Tennis compresses several hard robotics problems into one task. Vision systems must detect and track a fast moving ball against a complex background. Control systems must predict where that ball will be, not where it is. Locomotion must reposition the robot smoothly without destabilising it. Arm motion must stay synchronised with body movement.

Walker S2 showing competence across all of these layers at once is notable. Even if some aspects are simplified, the integration matters. This is closer to real world interaction than lifting boxes or waving to a camera.

Anyone who has played tennis will tell you this is an extremely difficult task. It is crazy to think a robot can not just hit a ball, but hit it cleanly and with fluid motion.

Autonomy versus demonstration

One open question is how autonomous this sequence really is. The video does not explain whether the robot is operating fully on board or receiving external guidance. That distinction matters, especially when demos circulate without technical context.

The movements suggest real time responsiveness rather than a fixed animation. However, the controlled environment and predictable ball feeds mean assistance cannot be ruled out. Until UBTECH publishes deeper technical detail, it is sensible to treat this as a capability showcase rather than proof of independent athletic performance.

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Why this still matters

Even as a demonstration, the clip shows how far humanoid coordination has progressed. Stable bipedal movement combined with dynamic arm motion remains one of the hardest problems in robotics. Tennis exposes weaknesses quickly. Walker S2 does not collapse, jitter, or freeze.

This kind of demo points less toward robots playing sports and more toward robots operating in environments where timing, balance, and interaction matter. Warehouses, factories, and service settings all demand similar underlying skills just with different tools.

The tennis court is simply a clear stage on which those skills become easy to see. We did review PongBot Pace S Pro a couple of months ago. The robotic tennis ball launcher is very impressive. But the device shown in the video is next level!

Via NotebookCheck

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What follows is a comparison of the biggest differences between the Pongbot Pace S Pro and the Slinger Bag, grounded in hands on testing and supported by the wider feature context around each device. For more detail, check out my full reviews of the Pongbot Pace S Pro and the Slinger Bag.

Design and core purpose

The Pongbot Pace S Pro is built as a dedicated training robot. It behaves less like a ball feeder and more like a partner that dictates tempo. During testing, drills feel intentional. Thanks the real-time player tracking, the machine even has the ability to react to your court position and send the next ball accordingly. That creates a session where you respond rather than settle into a rhythm.

Slinger Bag is a much simpler affair. It focuses on convenience above all else. The device combines a ball launcher and a rolling tennis bag into a single unit. Racquets, balls, and accessories all live in the same case. You arrive at court, unzip it and start hitting. It does not attempt to react or adapt. Its purpose is to make solo hitting easy and accessible.

Technology and training features

Pongbot relies on sensors, AI, and app control to run its sessions. It includes a large library of drills and allows full customisation of shot type, placement, speed and timing. One of the standout elements in use is recovery based feeding. Where you finish one shot influences where the next ball goes. That makes drills feel closer to coached sessions rather than pre programmed loops.

Slinger keeps things much more simple. You adjust feed rate, speed and launch angle using a remote. Once set, it delivers the same ball repeatedly. There is no app, no adaptive logic, and no positional awareness. An optional oscillator adds basic side to side variation, but the machine itself does not change behaviour mid session.

Performance and shot realism

Performance is where the separation becomes obvious. Pongbot can reach ball speeds of up to around 80 mph. Combined with adjustable spin and precise placement, this allows drills that feel demanding and realistic. In hands on use, it supported fast baseline rallies, aggressive patterns, along with recovery focused movement without struggling to keep up.

Slinger tops out at roughly 45 mph. That is enough for consistent practice but limits realism at higher levels. The machine does produce heavy topspin by default, something that came through clearly in testing. What it lacks is spin control. You cannot switch between topspin, slice or flatter shots. The result is predictable but useful feeds for repetition rather than simulation.

Movement and physical demand

Pongbot forces movement. Wide balls pull you off court, and the next feed often arrives before full recovery. Sessions feel physically demanding even when the ball count is not high. In testing, fatigue came from intensity and movement rather than volume.

Slinger does not impose movement. Balls arrive in the same area unless you enable oscillation. Movement becomes optional and player driven. That makes sessions easier to manage but also less representative of match play. But, for example, if you want to focus on something specific it does the job. For me, it helped me fix my poor backhand form.

Noise and court presence

One practical difference that stood out immediately was noise. Pongbot operates very quietly, even when running faster drills. On shared courts, it blends into the background. You really can’t hear a sound from the device.

Slinger is noticeably louder. The sound of the motor and ball feed is always present, especially at higher feed rates. It does not affect function, but it does change the feel of the session and how noticeable the machine is to others nearby. Granted, it is not loud so won’t disturb other players – but you do hear a sound. Pongbot is pretty much totally silent.

Portability and everyday use

Slinger excels here. It replaces your tennis bag and your ball machine in one unit. Transport is simple and setup takes only a few minutes. In hands on use, this made it easier to fit short sessions into a busy schedule. It wins, hands down, in terms of stylishness.

Pongbot is portable but clearly a standalone machine. It has wheels and a handle, but you still need a separate bag for your gear. I’d say it has a “no-nonsense”, function-first design.

Battery life and session length

Battery life is another practical divider. Pongbot can run for up to around 8 hours, making it suitable for long sessions or multiple practices without recharging.

Slinger offers roughly 5 hours of battery life. That is enough for most solo sessions, but it does require more frequent charging if used heavily. Still not bad, though.

Training goals and user fit

Pongbot Pace S Pro suits players who want structured, demanding solo training. It rewards planning and intent. In hands on use, it felt closest to replacing a hitting partner.

Slinger Bag suits players who want simple repetition with minimal setup. It encourages consistency by being easy to use and easy to transport. It does not push intensity on its own, but it lowers the barrier to getting on court.

Price and expectations

Price explains much of the design philosophy. Pongbot sits firmly in the premium category. You pay for adaptive drills, higher performance, and deeper training control. At the time of writing this article it is selling for $1,349.99 (For $75 off, at checkout add coupon code: gadgetsandwearables). That’s the holiday sale which offers a significant saving on its typical $1,999 price.

Slinger, on the other hand, is far more affordable sitting at around $650. It opens solo practice to a wider audience and sets expectations accordingly. You are buying convenience and repetition, not intelligence.

Bottom line

If your goal is structured solo training that mimics the feel of a real opponent, the Pongbot Pace S Pro is in a different class. It’s intelligent, fast, quiet, and adaptable. You’ll pay more, but in return you get drills that push your footwork, challenge your rhythm, and hold your attention. It’s a system designed to grow with you.

The Slinger Bag is better suited for players who want something portable, easy to use, and affordable. It feeds consistent topspin, helps with repetition and doubles as your gear bag. For many, that combination is enough. It’s not trying to be a full training platform. It’s trying to make solo tennis more accessible.

These aren’t direct competitors. They solve different problems for different types of players. The key is knowing which one matches how you actually train.

View on Pongbot website (For $75 off, at checkout add coupon code: gadgetsandwearables), Slinger website.

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That means anyone with a pair of the original Smart Swim, Smart Swim 2 or Smart Swim 2 Pro goggles can now use the compass without needing a subscription. The update is effective immediately and doesn’t require a new app version or firmware update.

SwimStraight is designed for open-water swimmers who want to stay on course. It uses onboard sensors to calculate and display a live compass heading directly in the AR screen inside the goggles. Instead of having to lift your head and look for landmarks, the visual compass lets you swim straighter with fewer interruptions.

CEO Dan Eisenhardt explained the change was driven by consistent user feedback. According to him, making SwimStraight part of the free experience was both essential and overdue. That kind of language suggests this wasn’t just a business decision but a recognition that the feature had become too useful to stay behind a paywall.

A big software upgrade rolled out in November

SwimStraight going free isn’t the only update Form has made recently. In early November, the company pushed out a major firmware update focused on HeadCoach, its real-time digital coaching suite. The 2.0 version brings deeper insights and more targeted feedback, especially for swimmers training with specific goals.

HeadCoach originally launched with the second-generation goggles. It tracks key metrics like stroke rate, pace and heart rate while you swim, then provides post-session analysis in the Form app. With the 2.0 update, that feedback is no longer just about raw numbers. It now offers expert-style advice tailored to your objectives. Whether you’re trying to improve technique or build race performance, it highlights one area to work on based on your swim data.

What makes the update feel more integrated is how that advice carries into your next swim. The goggles display reminders during your session, giving real-time prompts tied to your individual focus area. It turns the goggles into a feedback loop, helping you correct issues while you’re still in the water, not just after the fact.

HeadCoach 2.0 is included in the Form Premium subscription. But SwimStraight no longer is. That upgrade is now a permanent part of the free feature set for all users, new or existing.

These specs remain the most comprehensive swim tracking goggles out there. Don’t forget to check out our full hands-on review.

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Nautic S blends smartwatch format with serious dive tools

The $499 Nautic S is the more wearable of the two, with a look and feel of a smartwatch. It runs on a bright AMOLED screen and is built to handle recreational and technical diving, while still being suitable for daily wear above water.

Despite its size, Suunto hasn’t cut corners. The Nautic S supports single and multi-gas dives, sidemount setups and wireless tank pressure monitoring. It even handles dual-transmitter configurations, making it viable for more complex dive profiles. Battery life is rated for up to 60 hours of dive time, which should be more than enough for a full week of diving without needing a charge.

Constructed and tested in Finland, the watch also includes a built-in GPS for surface navigation, offline maps, a digital compass and sunrise/sunset info. Weather and tide data are available on-wrist, making this a practical tool not just for diving but also for outdoor activities around the water. The included strap is elastic and designed to adapt to different dive suit setups, whether it’s a wetsuit or drysuit.

Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets

Dive logs sync automatically with the Suunto app, where users can review performance and environmental conditions, visualise routes and share their dives. The compact design and feature set suggest Suunto is targeting divers who want a hybrid device that covers both depth and day-to-day convenience.

Nautic targets technical divers with bungee-mount and flashlight

The $699 Nautic offers a different form factor, one that clearly leans toward more technical diving. Instead of a watch-style strap, it comes mounted on a bungee cord, allowing divers to wear it over thick suits or even mount it directly to other gear. Battery life is extended to 120 hours of dive time, offering double the runtime of the Nautic S.

Like the S model, it includes support for multi-gas, sidemount, and dual-transmitter tank tracking. The AMOLED display is matched with a built-in LED flashlight, which comes in handy for night diving or low-light environments like wrecks and caves. The same GPS, maps and environmental data features are carried over, so you’re not giving up surface features in exchange for extended dive performance.

Suunto highlights glove-friendly buttons and rugged construction for both devices. They’re made in Finland and designed to operate reliably in extreme conditions, including cold water and poor visibility. Syncing with the Suunto app is automatic and includes route visualisation, profile analysis and dive sharing.

The Nautic is built for those who don’t need a wearable above the surface. Instead, it leans into depth, durability and flexibility when it comes to mounting and runtime.

Two paths, same software foundation

The company is on a roll having released in the past few months a few great devices. I’ve recently posted my reviews of Vertical 2 and Race 2.

What’s most notable with this latest launch is how Suunto has taken the same dive software platform and split it into two very different hardware offerings. Nautic S will appeal to users who want a dive-ready smartwatch they can wear all day, while Nautic will attract divers looking for expedition-ready gear with maximum dive time and mounting flexibility.

Both units offer sidemount support, dual-transmitter wireless gas tracking, decompression dive handling and extensive surface navigation features. The decision comes down to how and where you dive, and how much you want from your device once you’re back on land.

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Pongbot PACE S PRO: One minute review

The Pongbot PACE S PRO has genuinely changed how I approach solo practice. It’s a major step up from my old Slinger Bag.

The PACE S PRO is built for serious training. It goes well beyond basic ball feeding, combining mechanical speed with player tracking and smart drill logic. It’s ideal if you want structured, high-volume hitting with full control over difficulty. The pace, spin, and variation keep sessions productive.

This isn’t for someone looking to casually hit a few balls after work. It’s for players or coaches who want structure, repetition and challenge on demand.

The hardware holds up well. Spin changes are quick, movement is fluid, and ball delivery stays consistent even at higher speeds. Battery life supports long sessions without fuss, and the app makes switching drills or settings straightforward. The included sensors add extra functionality – as the machine knows in real time exactly where you are on the court.

Build quality has been good during the one month of testing, though parts like the hopper and wheels do feel a bit fragile. That said, I’ve had no problems so far.

This isn’t a device you learn once and forget. You’ll keep finding new ways to use it. The presets are solid, but the real value comes when you start building and experimenting with your own drills. If you already train with data or track your sessions in detail, this machine can slot into that routine and raise the intensity.

It’s not a small purchase, but if you’re serious about your tennis training, it justifies the cost. Especially if you can pick it up on a discount. For those that want something dead simple, there are cheaper options out there. But if you’re willing to dig in, the value really shows.

All of these features, especially with the AI modes and sensor integration, are unmatched in this price range. It won’t replace a coach, but it can sharpen your sessions in ways most machines can’t. I wouldn’t go back to a basic ball launcher after this.

View PACE S PRO on Pongbot’s website (For $75 off, at checkout add coupon code: gadgetsandwearables). Also, check out my Youtube review to see the machine in action.

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Design & hardware
Technical specifications
How to use
Is this right for you

Pongbot PACE S PRO review: Design and how it holds up

• Sturdy and quiet during use, with good on-court stability
• Easy to roll around, though less convenient on stairs or in tight spaces
• Minimal on-device controls, with functions handled through smartphone app or remote

The PACE S PRO feels like something built for people who actually train. It’s not trying to be stylish or compact. Visually, it’s low-profile but sturdy, giving off the impression of a system that’s meant to be forgotten once it’s working. Having said that, I’ve had players from nearby courts come over mid-session to ask what it is and watch it in action.

The hopper is fixed into the top half of the unit and loads easily, but removing it takes more effort than I expected. It fits tightly, which helps keep it in place, but I’ve caught myself worrying about breaking it.

The machine weighs around 19 kilos, so it’s not exactly something you’d call lightweight. That said, it’s lighter than a lot of the other ball machines on the market. Compared to the Slinger Bag, which I used for a few years, this one takes up noticeably less space. It’s about half the height, so it’s easier to store.

There are wheels and a telescopic handle, so moving the PACE S PRO across flat ground is pretty straightforward. Stairs are more of a hassle because of the slightly awkward weight distribution. Getting it in and out of a car on your own takes a bit of juggling. I haven’t had any issues with the wheels, even on a few 20-minute walks to the court. But I’ve seen some users mention that the rubber on the wheels might wear down faster on rough or uneven surfaces.

Once the machine is in place, it stays put. The wide base and locking mechanism hold it steady even when firing at high speeds or with heavy spin. That makes a big difference when running more intense drills. I never had to stop and reposition it mid-session.

What I particularly like is how quiet it is during use. You can barely hear the motor running and that’s a good thing. I for one, do not want to disturb players on nearby courts with a loud piece of gear. This one is practically silent.

There’s a sound alert before each ball is launched, probably a safety feature, but that can be turned off in the app. I prefer it off. One thing I noticed is that the internal wheels keep spinning even when it’s in standby. You can stop that by switching it into Eco mode, which is easy enough to do in the settings.

On the unit itself, you can find a small control interface. The LED indicators in front are clear and easy to read, and the whole system powers on without any weird delays or boot-up issues. I usually have it ready in a couple of minutes.

Nearly all interaction with the machine happens through the app or remote, which works well. The Bluetooth connection has been totally reliable, and I can adjust drills or settings straight from my phone without needing to touch the machine once it’s powered on. The only real job is loading on the balls to the hopper.

The system also comes with a player-tracking sensor you can wear, plus two net sensors for positional feedback. But you can train just fine without using any of them. They do allow, however, for some more advanced drills. More about that later.

The design doesn’t try to stand out, but once you’ve used it, it feels solid and well put together. Everything is laid out logically, and build quality has been good so far. Still, parts like the hopper and wheels may show wear over time, so that’s something I’ll be keeping an eye on. I’ve been using it for about a month – and so far I’ve had no issues.

Technical specs

• Fast, consistent feed with up to 80 mph speed and 60 RPS spin
• Smooth motorised angle and sweep adjustments
• 8 hours of battery life on a single charge

As far as the hardware, the PACE S PRO runs on a dual‑wheel drive system that feeds balls through direct contact with the wheels. It’s capable of delivering a wide range of shots, including topspin, backspin and flat balls.

Spin intensity can be adjusted across 21 levels, with a maximum of 60 revolutions per second, which covers everything from slow looping topspin to heavier drives. The response time when switching spin types is short, so drills can simulate real rally conditions without delay or mechanical lag.

Speed can be set anywhere up to around 75–80 miles per hour. That’s more than enough to replicate real match pace. Ball frequency is adjustable from 1.5 to 12 seconds, depending on the type of session you’re after. The ball feed has been consistent in my use, and the delivery feels smooth even when pushing the higher settings.

Elevation and horizontal movement are fully motorized. You can shift the launch angle from 10 to 50 degrees for anything from low skimming shots to high lobs. Side‑to‑side movement spans roughly 50 degrees across the court, which enough to simulate both singles and doubles coverage. Transitions are fluid, and the machine keeps its aim stable between sequences.

The outer shell is reinforced plastic with internal framing that supports the motor assemblies and protects the tracking hardware. Vents are cut into the side panels for cooling. There are no exposed belts, cables or high-friction parts prone to failure. In use I did not notice any overheating or noise from cooling fans, which suggests the PACE S PRO handles heat well.

I’ve also found the ball feed reliable. After a month of use, there was only one session where there was a ball jam. And this was easily rectified by opening the side door. Problem solved in a few seconds.

As mentioned, the machine supports player tracking. It does this through a 100 Hz motion‑sensing system, which can detect position. The feature is there if you want to add reactive drills or recovery‑based training.

Battery life

Everything runs off a removable battery stored beneath the motor housing. It’s got enough capacity for multiple sessions without needing a recharge. I’ve done a couple of long workouts back to back and never had to worry about it running out. The company says you get over eight hours on a full charge, and that seems accurate. After a two-hour session, I usually drop just one of the four battery bars, so the estimate checks out.

Charging is straightforward. You just plug it in and let it do its thing. Since the battery is removable, it’s easy to handle and doesn’t get in the way. I’ve never felt limited by battery life, even when running high-speed or heavy-spin drills.

One nice touch is that you can charge the sensors directly from the machine via USB. That is handy if you’ve forgotten to refuel them at home. 

Pongbot PACE S PRO review: How to use

• App setup is quick with presets and deep custom options for advanced drills
• Smart features like AI Recovery add match-like realism
• Building long custom drills takes time, but the control over each shot is impressive

Initial setup is quick. The smartphone app pairs to the machine without fuss, and it walks you through the basics the first time you connect. Even if you’re not especially tech-savvy, you’ll be fine after a bit of poking around.

Once it’s charged, you wheel it onto the court, position the hopper and dump in the tennis balls, power it on, and control everything from your phone or the included remote. There an on-unit LED indicator lets you know when Bluetooth is active.

The app is the main control hub. You can pick from a large set of preloaded drills or start building your own. The preset drills are handy for quick sessions, and probably enough for the majority of average tennis players out there.

You can choose varying levels of difficulty, hand preference, combo interval, sequential/random sequence and more. That gives some room to tweak without going into full custom mode.

Custom drills are where this machine really stands out. You can tweak every single ball in the sequence -speed, spin, depth, placement.

It does take time to build a drill from scratch, especially if you’re setting up a 30 or 40-ball sequence. The app supports up to 45 shots per drill, and you can combine different shot types in any order. Once created, drills can be saved to your library and edited later.

You can also download drills shared by other players, and some of them are actually great. It’s a simple way to keep things fresh. The drill-sharing feature is built into the app, and you can favorite or copy any public drill into your own library.

The thing to note is that there’s a bit of a learning curve. Not because it’s hard, but because there are so many options. Especially with drills.

It took me a few sessions to figure out which features and drills were actually useful and which ones I could ignore. But once you get used to it, the basics feel straightforward. You can also simplify things by adjusting court positioning and feed delay globally, which helps match the machine’s output to your timing.

Some of the smarter modes (referred to as Smart Pace in the app), such as Recovery Trigger, are where the PACE S PRO really stands out. These are features that make the machine feel less like a ball launcher and more like a training partner.

Recovery Trigger, for example, is especially useful for footwork drills. It tracks when you’ve moved back to the centre back-end of the court and only then fires the next ball. That changes the rhythm entirely. Instead of feeding on a fixed timer, the machine reacts to your recovery, simulating real match flow. And if you’re not fully fit, you can slow the tempo down to keep the session under control.

To get this working properly, you’ll need to clip the third sensor onto yourself and set up the two net sensors that come with the system. Once everything is paired, which usually takes only a few seconds, the tracking is surprisingly accurate.

There can be a bit of a lag now and then, but overall the experience adds a strong element of realism to solo practice. It forces you to reset quickly, stay balanced and not cut corners between shots. That alone gives these drills more value than anything you’d get from a fixed feed interval.

Ramp up the difficulty level to challenge yourself even more. The thing about this is – instead of a predictable rhythm, you get a more varied pace that mimics what happens in an actual rally. It’s sometimes quicker, sometimes slower, depending on the previous ball. The whole thing keeps you alert and removes the tendency to fall into a drill pattern. It’s like training with a partner who never misses!

Together, these modes make the training feel alive. If you want sessions that prepare you for how points actually play out, these features are the ones to lean on.

View PACE S PRO on Pongbot’s website (For $75 off, at checkout add coupon code: gadgetsandwearables).

Is this right for you?

Buy if

• You train solo and want full-court feeds with real spin and pace
• You want drills that adjust based on your movement, not just timers
• You need detailed control over shot type, speed and placement
• You value long battery life and app control for quick setup
• You can store or transport a 19 kg machine without hassle

Don’t buy if

• You only play casually and don’t need advanced drills
• You want something ultra-light to carry between locations
• You’re looking for a basic ball launcher

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The post Pongbot PACE S PRO review: tracks your footwork, feeds like a pro, drills without mercy appeared first on Gadgets & Wearables.