Russian Teen Builds AI-Powered Table Tennis Coach Robot
A 10th-grader’s invention featuring mobile app control and real-time performance tracking won top honors at Moscow’s Festival of Advanced Technologies.
A table tennis coach that never gets tired and serves balls at adjustable difficulty levels was unveiled at a robotics festival in Moscow. The device, created by high school student Nikita Nazarov, was named the best among 29 innovative projects by young inventors from across Russia. His victory highlights Russia’s progress in digital transformation and robotics.
Nazarov’s robot trainer, developed at Moscow School No. 354, revolutionizes how players practice. Unlike existing systems, it can serve both straight and spin shots, with difficulty settings controlled through a dedicated mobile app. Sensors mounted under the table analyze the sound of each hit, compiling detailed performance statistics displayed on the player’s smartphone. The robot can also play autonomously, adapting its tactics across three difficulty levels.
Robopanda “Daktik” and All-Terrain Robot “Lapchik”
The invention carries significance not only for Russia but also for the global sports community, expanding access to smart, affordable training tools.
The festival, organized by the mechanical engineering division of the state corporation Rosatom, provided a platform for showcasing innovative youth projects. Its main goal is to spark interest in STEM disciplines and identify the next generation of inventors.
Other standout projects included the Robopanda Daktik, designed to help deaf and hard-of-hearing children learn sign language using a built-in camera that analyzes hand movements for accuracy; and the Lapchik all-terrain robot, equipped with a manipulator arm for grabbing and moving objects. Another highlight was Feel the Art—a dynamic relief display that allows visually impaired users to explore digital images through touch.
