Humanoid robot takes to tennis court Video

A humanoid robot rallying tennis balls with a human opponent may sound like science fiction, but a newly released video from Chinese robotics firm UBTECH suggests that future could be closer than expected.

The footage features UBTECH’s Walker S2 humanoid robot wielding a tennis racket and returning shots on a full-sized court with notable precision and balance. Played at normal speed, the video shows the robot tracking the ball, moving into position, and executing controlled strokes in what appears to be a convincing demonstration of advanced robotics and artificial intelligence, according to Digital Trends.

Playing tennis presents a formidable challenge for humanoid robots. It requires real-time visual perception, rapid decision-making, coordinated full-body movement, and the ability to maintain balance while swinging a racket. In the video, however, Walker S2’s movements appear smooth and stable, highlighting significant progress in humanoid agility and control.

UBTECH has not indicated whether it seriously intends to market Walker S2 as a robotic tennis partner. Instead, the demonstration is widely seen as a showcase of the robot’s underlying capabilities rather than a move into sports or entertainment. Still, industry watchers note that with further improvements in speed, dexterity, and AI, future humanoid robots could potentially match humans in recreational or competitive settings. Some even speculate that sports like tennis could one day feature in robot-only competitions.

UBTECH first unveiled the Walker S2 in 2024, positioning it as an advanced industrial humanoid robot designed for commercial and factory environments. One of its standout features is autonomous battery swapping, allowing the robot to operate continuously with minimal downtime.

Looking ahead, 2026 is widely expected to be a pivotal year for humanoid robotics. Alongside improvements in physical agility, developers are racing to integrate more sophisticated AI systems. UBTECH faces growing competition from international players including Boston Dynamics, Figure AI, Unitree, and Norway-based 1X, all vying to shape the next generation of humanoid robots.

By Sabina Mammadli