San Francisco-based T-APEX claims its new $699 Tenniix robot transforms solo practice into sessions that supposedly mimic playing against tennis legends. This updated tennis machine aims to outperform traditional ball launchers with its AI vision tracking system that monitors player positioning. Weighing 15.4 pounds (7 kg) with a verified 4-hour battery life, it’s designed for serious amateurs and club players seeking consistent practice without human partners—one of the smart robots and gadgets redefining cool in 2025.
ROBOT EYES THAT SEE YOUR EVERY MOVE
Tenniix’s 1080p camera isn’t just for show, unlike traditional ball machines, which fire shots in predictable patterns, this one claims to track your position in real time.
The AI claims to adjust shot placement based on your court position. According to company specifications, shots land within 10 inches of their target, though this precision hasn’t been independently verified in real-world conditions. Most traditional ball machines follow fixed patterns; this one reportedly adapts to your movements.
DIGITAL COACH WITH PRO-LEVEL PROGRAMMING
The company asserts that Tenniix can mimic the playing styles of tennis legends after being trained on match footage data. Want to practice against patterns similar to Federer’s precision or Nadal’s topspin?
Users can select different pro-inspired styles through the app, according to product documentation. Human coaches still provide better technical feedback and personalized instruction, but the robot offers consistent practice without scheduling constraints.
PORTABLE PRACTICE PARTNER
At 15.4 pounds, the Tenniix is significantly lighter than most traditional ball machines. The robot features wheels for court mobility and a compact design that fits in a standard car trunk.
Its verified 100-ball capacity reduces reloading frequency during practice sessions. The 4-hour battery life—a verified specification—provides extended training time. The robot includes gesture and voice controls that allow users to switch between drills without returning to the machine.
HIGH-TECH VISION SYSTEM
The Tenniix employs what the company describes as “hybrid tracking” technology that combines camera vision with UWB sensors. This dual-system approach supposedly enhances the robot’s ability to track both player and ball movements.
The robot’s camera system appears to include multiple lens elements for depth perception and accurate spatial mapping. While the technical specifications are impressive on paper, the real-world accuracy of this vision system will ultimately determine how well it replicates human-like tennis interactions.
GAME-CHANGING PERFORMANCE
For $699 (early-bird Kickstarter pricing), Tenniix positions itself between basic ball machines and premium coaching services. According to verified specifications, the robot can deliver balls at speeds up to 75 mph with a 5,000 RPM spin.
Whether it improves your game more effectively than traditional training methods remains to be seen. AI coaching supplements human instruction but currently lacks the nuanced feedback of experienced coaches. The machine’s advantage lies in its consistency and availability—it doesn’t require rest periods or scheduling coordination.
