 Robots
can be subdivided into two main catagories, free-standing and fixed. The
fixed robots are either attached to the end of the table, or stand behind
the table in a fixed position. They usually come with a net and recyling
system, which is only viable when the unit is in a fixed position. The
free-standing robots are like their little brother, and are usually
lightweight and simpler in design, and are placed on top of the opposite
half of the table, from where they project the balls.
If you want a feature-rich robot, you're almost forced
into buying a fixed robot, but the free-standing ones have some distinct
advantages which are worth discussing, as they may affect your decision.
1. Costs
These robots tend to simpler and lightweight, which generally makes them a
lot cheaper. Especially if you considering a robot for a club, or for group
coaching sessions, you may be able to afford several simply free-standing
robots for the price of a single fixed robot. For example the
Newgy Robo-Pong 540 costs
only a few hundred dollars, which more people can afford, and is less than
half the cost of the fully featured Newgy 2040
model.
 2.
Portability
Again since these robots tend to be smaller and light weight, they are real
easy to transport, making a viable to share them between multiple clubs and
venues.
3. Playing the angles
A robot that can be moved around on the table, can potentially give you a
lot wider angles than one that is fixed at the end and middle of the table.
This may be very handy for exercises that require balls to be placed very
side.
 4.
Height and distance
If you wish to practice hitting against high balls, the free-standing robots
can be placed close to the net, and shooting out the ballhard onto the
table. Only some of the fixed robots have height adjustment, but even then
they shoot the ball onto the table at the same angles as a robot positioned
right at the net.
Similarly a free-standing robot can be placed a long way behind the table,
perhaps fixed onto on a chair with wheels, allowing you to generate some
long distance balls.
The free-standing robots usually come with only a small
container of balls, and without any catch-net or recycling system, so your
practice routine may be shorter and followed by some time picking up the
balls. Still the low cost and flexibility of these units are well worth
considering.
Continue on to:
The robot head
- Single-wheel vs dual-wheel heads |
