Smash hit: Ping pong robot takes on Olympian at Tokyo tech fair


FORPHEUS, a fourth-generation table-tennis robot developed by automation parts maker Omron returns a shot to a human player at a top Tokyo tech fair on October 2. - AFP

Chiba (Japan) (AFP) - A ping-pong-playing robot served up a hit at a top Tokyo tech fair Monday, while a barely-moving machine in the shape of a sloth aimed to provide a relaxing change of pace.

The alien-looking table-tennis star, named FORPHEUS, had a tough opponent, in the shape of Japan's first-ever Olympic singles medal-winner in a man-versus-machine clash.

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Japan , ping-pong , robot , Tokyo tech fair , FORPHEUS ,

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