Robot volleyball machine helps Japan team practise attacks | New Scientist

by Alex Kirkpatrick

12 April 2017

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To perfect their attacks, some of Japan’s top volleyball players are training against a robot that can mimic the tactics of opposing teams. The Japanese Volleyball Association’s “block machine” consists of three pairs of robotic arms that move side to side in front of the net. These represent blockers – players who defend against “spikes” from the attacking team that send the ball forcefully over the net, making it hard for opposing players to return it.

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Alex Kirkpatrick is a passionate writer and science communicator...

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