Pongbot named Official Ball Machine of Australian Open
AI and robotics company Pongbot has entered into a partnership with the Australian Open. The company's technology will be utilized during the tournament and at the National Tennis Academy.
Pongbot, a company specializing in artificial intelligence and robotics, has been named the Official Ball Machine of the Australian Open through a multi-year agreement set to begin with the 2027 tournament.
The partnership will integrate Pongbot's AI-powered training technology into one of tennis's four Grand Slam events. The agreement also establishes Pongbot as the Official Ball Machine Supplier for the National Tennis Academy, aiming to support the development of future generations of players.
Pongbot CEO Haibo Zhang expressed pride in the collaboration, citing a shared belief in innovation to enhance tennis participation and skill development. The company's AI Coach technology is intended to transform player training and facilitate measurable progress.
Under the terms of the agreement, Pongbot's products, including its AI Coach, will support high-performance training through repetition, data collection, and performance analysis. Pongbot also plans to introduce an Australian Open-branded ball machine that merges the tournament's identity with its training technology.
Tennis Australia's Chief Commercial Officer Cedric Cornelis highlighted the Australian Open's reputation for innovation and welcomed Pongbot's fresh perspective on athletic training and fan engagement. The partnership is expected to bolster Pongbot's international growth and make tennis training more accessible and inspiring.