Chinese AI Tennis Robots Gain Global Orders as Clubs Adopt Rentals

What changed

AI tennis robots are becoming paid court equipment in China, with users renting mobile machines for 60–120 yuan an hour. The robots move around the court, adjust their return rhythm and provide a more realistic practice session than fixed-position ball machines. Some products also help correct swing technique, according to China News Service.

The shared-rental model works through QR-code access: users unlock a robot from a cabinet, play, then return it. Shenzhen’s Aisi Robotics has placed machines in nearly 70% of clubs with at least three courts in Nanshan and says its products have reached more than 60 countries. Since launching overseas crowdfunding in May 2025, it has shipped about 6,000 units, with more than 70% of sales overseas.

A New York trial attracted more than 200 people. Aisi Robotics CEO Huang Zihui said overseas users helped validate the product as a new category built for global markets. Shanghai Chuangyi Technology founder and CEO Zhang Haibo said his company has sold more than 100,000 units, with first-half sales several times higher than a year earlier and individual consumers accounting for more than 90%.

Why it matters

China’s tennis population exceeds 25 million, but the supply of professional coaches is limited and traditional ball machines offer less individualized practice. The report says a beginner may need 30–50 private lessons to reach five baseline exchanges; an AI machine could reduce private-lesson costs by at least half.

For clubs, the robots can serve players who lack a partner, increase use of otherwise idle court time and work alongside coaches while reducing labor costs. Shanghai Chuangyi’s Zhang estimates that sports products incorporating AI have current court penetration of about 3%, 4% and could reach 30%, 40% within two to three years.

That forecast remains conditional. The category will depend on whether returns remain realistic, prices stay accessible and clubs can keep machines available during peak training periods. Analysts cited in the report estimate that global AI tennis-robot sales could reach 7 million units and a market value above 70 billion yuan by 2035.

What to watch next

• Whether shared robots expand beyond Shenzhen and the current deployments in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.
• Whether overseas demand converts from trial events and crowdfunding purchases into sustained club and consumer use.
• Whether the projected 30%, 40% penetration in two to three years materializes.
• Whether robots complement coaching or mainly replace low-cost repetitive practice.