Robot beats pros at ping pong

Ace utilizes advanced artificial intelligence to learn from experience, allowing it to match the speed and precision of elite athletes.

The robot features nine camera eyes that can track the ball's logo to measure spin and predict its trajectory with uncanny accuracy.

Researchers say the achievement presages an array of future applications for similarly adept machines in complex, real-world environments.

While Ace is not yet ready to beat the world's absolute best, its performance marks a longstanding milestone for machines faced with human competitors in physical sports.