I'm pretty sure Omron has been bringing a table tennis robot to trade shows for at least ten years, and it's pretty good at the game. They mention it in their paper:
> A key point of difference is that our agent learns the control policies and perception system, whereas the Forpheus agent uses a model-based approach. More specifically, Forpheus leverages rebound and aerodynamics models in order to identify the optimal
configuration of the robot so as to return the ball to a target position. The Omron system represents a highly engineered system that cannot easily be customized to new players, environments, or paddles
But I think they're stretching a bit to claim that a model-based design can't be easily customized. Many of us would consider it much easier to plug in a new air viscosity or coefficient of restitution value into a model than to re-train a physical robot.
> A key point of difference is that our agent learns the control policies and perception system, whereas the Forpheus agent uses a model-based approach. More specifically, Forpheus leverages rebound and aerodynamics models in order to identify the optimal configuration of the robot so as to return the ball to a target position. The Omron system represents a highly engineered system that cannot easily be customized to new players, environments, or paddles
But I think they're stretching a bit to claim that a model-based design can't be easily customized. Many of us would consider it much easier to plug in a new air viscosity or coefficient of restitution value into a model than to re-train a physical robot.