Chess robot SenseRobot moves real pieces
SenseRobot manufactures chess and Go robots that independently move pieces with robot arms, recognize game moves, and offer training up to master level.
SenseRobot Chess Mini moves the chess pieces during play with its robot arm. The version for children is expected to be released in the course of 2026.
Chess computers have been around for a long time. Now come the chess robots, at least if it's up to the wishes of the AI company SenseTime from Hong Kong. Its SenseRobot devices face the player at chess or Go in front of a board with game pieces and move them with a robot arm and a small gripper hand.
Chess robot with brains and arms
SenseRobot is an automated chess system with a robot arm, camera recognition, and an integrated display. The device plays on a physical board with classic pieces. Cameras capture the playing field and recognize the positions of the pieces. The fact that these are magnetic ensures stability during the game.
The robot arm works with three or four degrees of freedom depending on the model and positions the pieces with millimeter precision. Each move is confirmed by pressing the "Go" button. The display in the robot's head shows a chess clock.
SenseTime currently has two chess robots and a Go variant in its program. The Chess Mini version for children is to follow.
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Basic model SenseRobot Chess
SenseRobot Chess is the fully equipped basic model with a robot arm and a large chessboard. The integrated chess computer offers 25 fixed playing levels from Elo 200 to 2900. Additionally, the "Apex Duel" mode with a stated playing strength of Elo 3200 is available. This requires an internet connection.
The learning offer includes introductory and basic courses, more than 1200 exercises, and 145 structured endgame tasks. Furthermore, the robot can automatically replay 100 classic games on the board and explain them on the display and via voice output.
The system consists of an aluminum frame with a plastic housing. The device measures 570 x 470 x 385 millimeters and weighs around 5 kilograms, including the board and pieces. The robot arm here has four degrees of freedom and grips the pieces mechanically.
Children's model SenseRobot Chess Mini
SenseRobot Chess Mini is a more compact version and is aimed at children. It plays with Elo numbers from 200 to 1700, but also supports the Apex Duel mode via the internet with Elo 3200. Children can learn chess with 25 lessons.
The board, pieces, and robot are designed to be significantly smaller. The robot arm is constructed more simply, but also moves the pieces independently on a physical board. Chess Mini is expected to be released in the course of 2026.
In addition, SenseTime offers the variants SenseRobot Chess Lite and SenseRobot Go. Chess Lite does not come with figures, but with discs with printed symbols. According to the manufacturer, both devices support multiple AI playing levels.
Prices and Availability
The robots are not available in Germany. Although you can order SenseRobot Chess and SenseRobot Go from Amazon for 853 Euros each, you will then pay 240 Euros in import costs to Germany. SenseRobot Chess Lite costs 596 Euros plus 171 Euros in import costs. The price for SenseRobot Chess Mini has not yet been set.
(akr)
