MELBOURNE, Australia, Sept. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Australian Open has named Pongbot its Official Ball Machine. The partnership also names Pongbot Official Ball Machine Supplier of the National Tennis Academy.
The multi-year agreement brings together AI-powered training technology and fan engagement at the Australian Open 2027 (AO27). It connects Pongbot with one of tennis’s four Grand Slam tournaments and will support the next generation of athletes within the performance pathway.
“We’re proud to partner with the Australian Open, united by a belief that innovation should help more people enjoy tennis and improve their game. Through AI Coach, we aim to change the way players train and help them turn sustained effort into meaningful progress. That ambition is at the heart of this partnership,” Pongbot CEO Haibo Zhang said.
Pongbot specializes in AI-powered training equipment and intelligent robotics and under the agreement, its products, including AI Coach, will support high-performance training and consistent repetition, data collection and performance analysis.
Pongbot’s plans include an Australian Open co-branded ball machine that combines the tournament’s identity with its training technology. Its design features Australian Open and Pongbot branding on the machine body and ball hopper.
“The Australian Open has built a reputation as one of the most innovative events in world sport, constantly looking for new ways to elevate the fan experience and support the development of players,” Tennis Australia’s Chief Commercial Officer Cedric Cornelis said.
“Pongbot’s AI-driven training technology brings a fresh perspective to the sport, helping redefine how athletes train and how people engage with racquet sports. We’re excited to work together to bring these innovations to the Australian Open and inspire the next generation of players at our National Tennis Academy.”
The agreement supports Pongbot’s international growth ambitions by connecting its technology with players, coaches and fans through the Australian Open.
As the Australian Open continues to expand its position as a global leader in sport, entertainment and technology, the partnership with PongBot demonstrates a shared vision to make tennis training more accessible, engaging and innovative.
About Pongbot
Founded in 2019, Pongbot is a Chinese sports technology company specializing in AI-powered training equipment and intelligent robotics. Its products, including AI Coach, support both high-performance training and everyday sport.
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