A table tennis robot is a training machine that feeds balls across the table so you can practise on your own. You set the spin, the speed, the placement and how often the balls come, then drill the same stroke over and over until it holds up under pressure. That kind of repetition is hard to get from a human partner, which is why a robot, sometimes called a ball machine, earns its place for anyone serious about improving between sessions.

What a table tennis robot does for your training

The value of a robot is control. It repeats an exact ball as many times as you want, so you can groove footwork and contact without waiting for a partner to feed you. Most players use one to drill a weakness: consistent topspin, backhand placement, or moving in and out from the table. Because you can dial the frequency up as you improve, the same machine keeps working from your first drills through to fast multi-ball training. It pairs naturally with an indoor table for solo practice at home, and you will want a good supply of balls to keep it fed.

The Butterfly Amicus range

Our robots are Butterfly Amicus machines, a well-regarded training range rather than a broad shelf of budget units. The Amicus Expert covers the core training needs for club and improving players, while the Amicus Prime adds finer control over spin and programming for players who want to build detailed drills. Both feed the ball with real spin and placement, so what you practise against the robot transfers to a match. Whichever you run, pair it with a reliable bat and plenty of balls.

Table tennis robots: common questions

Is a table tennis robot the same as a ball machine?

Yes. "Robot," "ball machine" and "table tennis machine" all mean the same thing, a device that feeds balls across the table so you can practise without a partner.

Who is a table tennis robot for?

Anyone who wants to practise on their own, from improvers grooving a stroke to advanced players doing fast multi-ball drills. You set the difficulty, so it grows with you.

What is the difference between the Amicus Expert and Amicus Prime?

The Expert covers the core solo-training needs for most club and improving players. The Prime adds finer control over spin and drill programming for players who want to design more detailed routines.

Do I need a net to catch the balls?

A catch net keeps the balls on the table so you spend your time drilling rather than fetching. Many players add one once they start doing longer sessions.

How many balls does a robot need?

The more the better, so the machine runs a long drill without pausing to refill. A robot works best fed from a large batch of balls rather than a handful.

Can a beginner use a table tennis robot?

Yes. Set a slow, simple feed and a robot is a patient way to learn clean contact, then raise the speed and spin as your strokes settle.