The SmartPong Table Tennis Robot has caused a lot of talk since it first came out. The first incarnation of the SmartPong was the Stiga Robot Trainer, which was introduced back in 2004. Due to patenting issues, Stiga stopped selling their robot shortly after production began. After clearing up those problems, the SmartPong was reborn.
As a new user reads through the owner’s manual, he or she will notice that it only covers basic operations. Owners will have to use the trial-and-error method to discover how to create almost every shot. The manual has an easy to follow troubleshooting guide for easier problems but directs users to contact their local distributors for bigger issues.
Setting up and breaking down the SmartPong is a very simple process. Some may find clamping and un-clamping the side nets a bother, but their use is optional.
The SmartPong seems to have borrowed a great deal of aesthetics and mechanics from the Newgy 2040. This isn’t a bad thing, since the Newgy is a favorite among robot users. Instead of a double-net system of capturing returned balls, the SmartPong relies on a single net with hanging strips of material to slow the balls down. After the returned balls drop into the return tray, they are stirred around until they fall into an opening. This is a single-wheel robot. This means it cannot throw a spin-less ball. This is a small issue since there are very few players that don’t use spin. Thanks to its two fans, this robot can run for hours without heating up or getting too noisy.
The SmartPong is the first table tennis robot to use a wireless infrared remote control. Every aspect of the robot can be manipulated via this remote control. Unfortunately, this is the only means of controlling the apparatus since there are no controls on the main unit. This means if the remote control is lost or damaged, the entire system is useless.
This robot is as easy to use as it is to set up. Users can program the machine for almost any variable without having to stop play to re-adjust the settings, thanks the remote. The remote uses “+” and “-” keys to make setting adjustments. While this may sound like it allows for very precise changes, it can be a big time waster. For example, if you want to change from under-spin to topspin, you’ll spend a few minutes repeatedly pressing the “+” key until you get the desired result. If you don’t want to spend the time programming shots, the SmartPong has an AUTO mode. The remote does have a very nice memory feature, however. This remote can also be used to program up to 9 different shots, enabling users to create an entire routine. After it runs through its series of shots, it will repeat itself. This is a very nice feature, especially since you can the ball feed for faster or slower rates of service. Although this isn’t mentioned in the owner’s manual, the SmartPong already has 9 routines already programmed into it. These pre-programmed routines cannot be adjusted, except for the speed.
As far as programming goes, the SmartPong microprocessor breaks the table into 9 sections. Users can program the oscillation between any or all of these sections. The throwing head can be set for any kind of spin while the speed can be adjusted to throw 30 balls per minutes up to 90 balls per minute. All of this means the SmartPong has the ability to give even high-level players a great workout.
The SmartPong is a very good table tennis robot for players of all levels. Its ball recycling systems and two cooling fans allow users continuous play for hours at a time. Like all other table tennis robots, this model will jam occasionally, requiring users to take the feed chute apart and clear it. I like the remote control but many users may feel the incremental buttons are a little prohibitive. This is more than made up for by the system’s ease of use. Since this model is a relative newcomer to the market, there isn’t much data regarding reliability.
With its ease of use and wide variety of throws, this is one of the better systems currently available. It’s priced at around $1600, making it even more attractive to serious players. Some robots may have a few different features, but none of them can really match the package that SmartPong has put together. With its great price and outstanding features, the SmartPong is at the top of the pile.
