Ubtech's Walker S2 humanoid robot plays tennis in a new video, returning shots with balance and precision as it tracks the ball and moves fluidly on court.
© YouTube / Ubtech Robotics
Chinese company Ubtech Robotics released a video showing a humanoid robot playing tennis against a human opponent. The clip quickly drew attention for how composed the robot looks on court and how reliably it sends the ball back, showcasing balance, coordination, and smooth motion.
On screen is the humanoid Walker S2 equipped with a tennis racket. The robot moves across its side of the court, shifts into different stances, and delivers shots with controlled trajectories. In one sequence it even hits a backhand—a moment that stands out next to the usual robot demos confined to simple moves.
Although the video is clearly edited and doesn’t reveal every detail, the footage reads as impressively precise. Walker S2 has to track a fast-moving ball, synchronize its arms and legs, and keep its balance—a challenge that even beginners don’t always meet. Another point of curiosity is the arm design: its racket hand has no fingers, which becomes especially apparent at the end when it gives the human a high-five with the other hand.
Ubtech does not specify whether Walker S2 ran fully autonomously or was controlled by an operator, and it also does not disclose the score. The company has previously talked about commercial uses for its humanoids, though some demonstrations have sparked debate. Even so, interest in such machines keeps growing: other manufacturers are also showcasing athletic skills—from basketball to martial arts.
The tennis clip suggests humanoids are gradually moving beyond lab experiments, taking on complex, dynamic scenarios that demand quick reactions, accuracy, and a hint of human-like fluidity.