Tenniix Ball Machines – Vision-Based AI and Extreme Portability

Tennis ball machines have in previous years not been that great but nowadays we’re seeing massive developments in this area and new brands coming up. It’s no longer a heavy, clunky box that simply spits balls at you in a straight line. Tenniix is one of the innovators that is trying to change the game. Developed by Enhanced Robotics, Tenniix joins a new breed of AI-powered tennis trainers designed to act more like a hitting partner than a piece of equipment. We have done an overview of these machines on our YouTube channel.

We have tested the Tenniix Basic, which is the most portable machine I have tried personally. The portability is a big plus, but it does come with some limitations. That aside, it is still an impressive machine for the size and price.

Visit the Tenniix website, (use the code Tennisnerd5 for a 5% discount on your order)

Smart Features for Every Player

The Basic machine does not come with the vision features of the Tenniix Pro. With the Tenniix Pro, you get the vision-based AI features. We have not yet tried this feature, but we have ordered the vision module, which is an add-on to the Tenniix Basic, and will update this review when we have tested it.

This is included in the Tenniix Pro.

• Vision-Based AI: Using high-definition cameras, the machine tracks your movement and position on the court. It can adapt its shots based on where you are standing, making the practice feel more like a real rally.
• Voice & Gesture Control: This is something quite unique and very handy. You don’t have to walk across the court to change settings. With a dedicated voice armband or simple gestures, you can tell the machine to switch from “forehand” to “backhand” or increase the speed mid-drill.
• Legend Simulation: Ever wanted to train against a pro? The AI can mimic the shot patterns and spin styles of legendary players like Nadal or Djokovic.
• Extreme Portability: Most traditional machines weigh over 40 lbs. The Tenniix Basic weighs only 18.7 lbs, making it one of the lightest professional-grade machines on the market.

Choosing Your Model

Tenniix uses a modular design, meaning you can start with the basics and add “brain” or “legs” to your machine later.

Tip: If you start with the Basic model, you can purchase the AI Camera Module or the Motorized Base separately later to upgrade your machine as you get better. This is a nice feature.

Technical Performance

Despite its small size, the machine is powerful. It uses Quasi-Direct Drive (QDD) motor technology, which allows it to reach speeds of 75 MPH and generate up to 5,000 RPM of spin. This is according to the marketing text. We have not been able to verify these claims with a radar gun. Tenniix did send us a video highlighting that the max speed is around 70 MPH. Our experience with many ball machines has been that claims around speed can be somewhat exaggerated and there have been several comments suggesting that the ball speed is significantly lower, more like 50 mph. So if ball speed is very important for you, we suggest you check out a larger machine, like the Pongbot. I will, however say that thanks to its portability and simplicity, this is the machine I have used the most. But my needs might not be the same as yours.

Its battery life lasts around 4 hours, which should be more than enough for a solo session.

Comparing Tenniix to other machines

We are testing a bunch of ball machines to see how they stack up so you can find one for your specific use case. We have tested the Slinger, the Pongbot, the Acemate, the Veva Sports P3 Pro and the Tenniix thus far. This is recent testing; we have obviously tried other machines in the past. The ball machine market is exploding and there are too many machines these days to count them all. There are pros and cons with all machines. Some pack loads of features but become heavy and complicated; some are pretty basic, like this Tenniix machine, but compensate with good portability. Some machines move like the Acemate and Sportbot, and machines that claim AI functionality like the Pongbot. It is a jungle out there. I am curious to hear in the comments what you are looking for in a ball machine.

We have only tested the Tenniix Basic model, but it is actually the one we have used the most. Like all machines, it comes with some hiccups; sometimes ball feeds can be a little erratic, the claims around ball speed are exaggerated, but for a basic machine, it does a good job. When we got this one it was 630 euros, they have increased the price since, but also upgraded the app and firmware features of the machine and I think it works better now than when I tested it the first time. I am also curious how it will perform with the vision module.

For me, bringing the machine in the car, with the balls and hoping to get started in five minutes after arriving to the court, the Tenniix Basic has done a good job. Sure, it does not have the speed of some of the other machines we have tried, but I can get a more challenging ball by placing the machine deeper in the court. There are also many portable machines on the market and we have not tried them all, but for a portable machine, this is a pretty solid choice.

If you want a bit more power, check out the Pongbot Pace S Pro or Veva P3. If you want movement, check out the Acemate S10. I don’t quite see a reason to check out the Slinger, since when I tried it, it only does heavy top spin. All these machines can give you different spins, speeds and shots. And in the case of the Acemate and Sportbot, even from different locations on the court.

Where to buy the Tenniix ball machines?

Get the Tenniix Ballmachine via our link here and when using the code Tennisnerd5 you will get a 5% discount. I want to add that I have received comments about customer service and shipping being lacking some months back. Some people have waited a long time for machines. This seems common with Kickstarter projects. This might have improved by now, but it is important to note. Please let us know your experience with Tenniix in the comments.