CES 2026: AI-Powered Ball Machines Dominate the Convention Floor

Every year at CES, the biggest tech brands and innovators from all around the world come together to share their latest breakthroughs.

As racket sports have quickly embraced new technology, it’s no surprise that brands are making a sizable splash at the show this year. And you also won’t be surprised to learn the focus is on AI.

China’s love of racket sports and expertise in AI has driven strong innovation in an otherwise stagnant training tool: the beloved ball machine. Gone are the days of the traditional ball machine as it's now being replaced by AI-powered versions that promise everything from intelligent tracking to human-like rally performance.

Strong investment and consumer interest has driven early success for three of these high-tech brands who decided to take their talents to Vegas and show the world what they’ve got. Let’s jump into these brands and see what they’ve got.

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PongBot Pace S Pro ($2,295)

The PongBot Pace S Pro is an AI-driven tennis training platform unveiled that reimagines solo practice by syncing ball delivery with player movement in real time. Unlike traditional ball machines with fixed patterns, it uses advanced tracking and adaptive technology to create dynamic, match-like drills that develop timing, footwork, and recovery rhythm tailored to each player’s level.

• Real-Time Adaptive Training: AI tracks player movement and times each ball based on recovery and positioning for realistic, match-like practice

• Smart Drill Control: Hundreds of preset drills plus fully customizable sessions managed through a mobile app

• Pro-Level Ball Performance: Delivers advanced speed, spin, and placement to simulate live competition

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Acemate ($1,599)

Acemate is an AI-powered tennis robot that goes beyond traditional ball machines by tracking your shots and returning balls dynamically, essentially acting like an interactive practice partner on court. It uses advanced sensors and AI to chase down your shots, return them with realistic spin and speed, and provide performance data via a companion app to elevate solo training for players at a wide range of skill levels.

• AI-Driven Rally Partner: Tracks balls and returns them with varied speed and spin for real rally-style practice instead of fixed feeds. 

• Dynamic Movement: Moves across the court on omnidirectional wheels to catch and return shots like a teammate would. 

• App & Data Feedback: Companion app delivers stats, coaching insights, and customizable drills to help improve technique. 

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Tenniix (Price ranges from $699-$1,599 depending on model)

Tenniix debuted the world’s first vision-based AI tennis robot, using advanced camera tracking and adaptive learning to create a responsive, interactive practice partner rather than a traditional ball feeder. It watches both player movement and ball flight in real time, adjusts positioning and shot responses dynamically, and lets users interact via voice commands or an app. It comes in a lightweight, modular system aimed at making solo training more realistic and data-driven.

• Vision-Based Tracking: Real-time dual-vision system monitors both player and ball to deliver adaptive, human-like returns

• Interactive Control: Change drills, difficulty, and settings with voice commands or the companion app

• Portable Smart Design: Lightweight, modular hardware with on-device feedback makes advanced practice accessible anywhere

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Conclusion

AI has now entered the tennis world and it’s here to help us train better, improve more quickly, and offer the closest experience to matchplay ever. With so much competition in the space, ball machine innovation will continue to grow at a fast pace, while other racket sports tech isn’t far behind. Be on the lookout for even more racket tech at CES 2027.

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