AI-Powered Robot Masters Badminton: A Swiss Innovation with Global Potential

Zurich, Switzerland – In a groundbreaking display of robotics and artificial intelligence, a four-legged robot has demonstrated its ability to play badminton. Developed at the renowned ETH Zurich's Robotic Systems Lab, this remarkable machine uses advanced AI and vision systems to accurately hit a shuttlecock. "In this project, we've showcased how robots can combine locomotion, manipulation, and perception in a dynamic and interactive sport," explains Yuntao Ma, a researcher involved in the project. The robot, based on the ANYmal platform, was initially designed for search and rescue operations, but its capabilities extend far beyond this. "The robot has learned to coordinate its body, move laterally, lean, track the shuttlecock with precision, and strike it with a racket," adds another researcher. The researchers believe this technology could be applied to other robotic platforms and tasks, including domestic services, representing a significant leap forward in robotics.