Wow! What will they come up with next? I didn't believe it when I first heard about it but I guess I shouldn't be surprised by anything anymore. If there is a need for something, somebody, somewhere is going to do something about it.
So I guess if you are a dedicated Ping Pong player, and want to practice, but don't always have a partner to play with....you need a solution. And so of course there is one out there. Actually there is more than one, quite a few more. They can range in price from over $2,500.00 from Amazon
to a few hundred dollars at other locations. The idea behind it is similar to the set up used at batting cages. A machine is set up at the opposite end of your table, and it serves balls to you. There are a variety of setting obviously depending upon your skill level. If you have watched the video posted above you can see that the settings can get to the point where it seems like you would need a few additional arms to keep up with one of these things.
Now obviously the one available from Amazon is a bit on the pricey side. But there are many alternatives to choose from. There is a company called Newgy.com which offers a wide range of Ping Pong robots to select from.
They also offer upgrade kits which allow you to move up to some of the higher models without having to purchase an entire new machine. They currently offer 3 different models to choose from as well as every accessory imaginable for the ping pong enthusiast.
Model 540
The lower priced model is the 540 at a very reasonable price of $229.00. The basic model 540 comes with
Ball Thrower (No Oscillation)
Ball Bucket
Mini Control Box
Cable Clip
Transformer
Connector Cable
Owners Manual
48 Orange 40mm Robo-Balls (USA only)
Model 1040
Next up the ladder is the model 1040 with a price tag of $359.00. The 1040 model comes with everything listed above in the 540 and offers oscillation and more powerful speed/frequency controls. The Bucket Extender expands ball capacity for longer continuous playing time.
Model 2040
Their current top of the line model 2040 rolls in with a price of $695.00 and is for the serious ping pong enthusiast. The model 2040 does everything the 1040 does and much more. The 2040 comes with a recycling net to capture your returns and recycle them for non stop action!
The 2040 kit comes with:
Ball Thrower (w/Oscillation)
Recycling Net System
Side Net Extenders
Rubber Tips Packet
Full Size Control Box
Transformer
Connector Cable
Owner's Manual
Set-up Videotape
48 Orange 40mm Robo-Balls (USA only)
Training Book (USA only)
In addition to the models listed above they also offer a complete line of accessories, as well as various upgrade kits to convert a lower priced model to one of the higher ones without the cost of purchasing a whole new machine. Newgy often has different coupons available for accessories when purchasing one of the Ping Pong robots.
Now if you are really a Ping Pong fanatic there is another robot available that you can actually play Ping Pong with! Yes you heard me, a real playing partner. The video below shows this latest invention, unveiled in 2007 in Tokyo Japan. Check it out.
The next video below is a brief video showing the robot in action playing against a human opponent.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
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