Table tennis has come a long way since its
inception. Thanks to the constant innovation of new technologies, the sport
has been revolutionized forever. From the introduction of the 40mm ball to
the development of TTR (Table Tennis Review) technology, the game has seen
significant changes in terms of speed, power, and rotation. TTR was developed
by technology company RigourTech and is similar to the Hawk-Eye technology
used in other sports.
This algorithm, which learns by trial
and error, was able to return the ball reliably and was configured to control
the movement of a robotic arm placed next to a real table. The design of
table tennis rackets has also changed dramatically over time. Players can now
choose from a variety of paddles with different surfaces, depending on their
personal preferences. This has resulted in many significant changes in the
style of play.
Yapeng Gao, Jonas Tebbe and
Andreas Zell, from the University of Tübingen (Germany), began by
designing a computer simulation in which a virtual robotic arm equipped with
a table tennis racket tried to return ping pong balls to a virtual ping-pong
table. In addition, thanks to the introduction of inorganic glue and new materials,
the speed, power and rotation of table tennis have weakened to varying
degrees. The weakest degree of rotation is now the highest. This is good for
improving the excitement of table tennis, lowering the technical threshold,
and increasing public appeal.
The most important component
when it comes to playing table tennis is still the surface of the paddle that
is used to hit the ball. Butterfly, one of the most renowned manufacturers of
rackets and table tennis equipment, is constantly venturing into new
territories to perfect the fiber material used for these rackets.For the
first time in history of table tennis, athletes can also
verify the referee’s decision using camera viewing technology. The ITTF
(International Table Tennis Federation) has also banned many manufacturing
practices and adjustments.In conclusion, technology has allowed table tennis
to reach its full potential and has transformed it into an exciting sport
with high public appeal. With more powerful rubber surfaces and improved
racket designs, players can now enjoy faster speeds and greater punching
power.