The Partner lives up to its name. Whereas traditional ball machines are static and follow preset routines, this innovative model reads and reacts. With AI-powered advanced tracking it’s capable of analyzing a player’s shots in real time and automatically adjusting the speed and difficulty of the feeds to match performance. No more lather, rinse and repeat—the machine recognizes if you’re crushing or rushing and makes the necessary adjustments to customize the workout.
In addition to matching your level, the Partner can also move like a real opposing player. Instead of feeds coming from the same location, it can motor around to provide a wider array and more realistic series of shots. This allows it to better simulate game conditions and engage all areas of the court. It’s not exactly like playing against an actual human, but it’s close.
Created by Auburn, AL-based Tennibot, the roots of the Partner grew out of necessity. Back in 2018, CEO and co-founder Haitham Eletrabi was working on his PhD in civil engineering at the university. A tennis player in his youth, he picked it up again for recreation in his limited spare time outside the classroom. There was only one problem.
“Tennis is an amazing sport. I love it,” says Eletrabi. “But one of the worst parts is picking up the balls.”
That frustration spurred the creation of the Rover. Using computer vision and navigation algorithms, it autonomously wheels around the court picking up stray balls. It traverses all obstacles including net posts, fences and players to collect up to 80 balls in a removable bag. It’s like a Roomba for the tennis court. A sweeper attachment lets it smooth out a clay court.
