Toyota's foray into the world of sports robotics has been nothing short of remarkable. Their robot, with an astonishing ability in basketball, is set to redefine what we thought possible. Through continuous innovation and the power of AI, this robot is constantly evolving and achieving new feats.

Witness Toyota's Robot's Basketball Prowess Unleashed

Early Beginnings and Development

In 2017, a group of dedicated Toyota volunteers took on the challenge of developing "Cue," the basketball-playing robot. Spending their free time, they laid the foundation for what would become a global sensation. By March 2018, the first generation of Cue made its debut at a home game of the Alvark Tokyo, a professional basketball team in Japan. This marked the beginning of a journey that would capture the attention of the world.The early iterations of Cue showed promise, but it was clear that there was more to come. With each passing year, Toyota continued to refine and enhance the robot's capabilities.

Setting Records and Making History

After gaining popularity on social media, Toyota released several new models. In May 2019, the third-gen model, "Cue3," achieved a significant milestone by earning its first Guinness World Record for "The most consecutive basketball free throws by a humanoid robot (assisted)," making an impressive 2,020 free throws. This was just the beginning of Cue's record-breaking journey.Fast forward to September 26, 2024, in Nagakute, Japan. Toyota's CUE6 sank an astonishing 80 ft 6 in shot, securing its second Guinness World Record title. The first attempt saw the shot hit the rim and bounce back, but the robot didn't give up. On the second attempt, it nailed the shot, leaving audiences in awe.This remarkable achievement is a testament to the power of AI and the dedication of the Toyota team. By learning from its mistakes and constantly improving aspects like posture, arm position, and shot strength, Cue continues to push the boundaries of what a humanoid robot can achieve in the world of sports.

Steady Skill Improvement

Since its initial success, the AI basketball-loving robot has been on a steady path of skill improvement. It has mastered the art of shooting three-point shots, dribbling with precision, and making free throws with ease. Each new skill added to its repertoire is a testament to the continuous development and innovation happening at Toyota.Tomohiro Nomi, the project leader of Toyota's CUE, emphasized the importance of using artificial intelligence based on the robot's structure. "It learned and thought of the throwing style that would be the most effective," he said. This approach has allowed Cue to adapt and improve over time, making it a true force to be reckoned with in the world of basketball robotics.Toyota's robot is not just a technological marvel; it is a symbol of what can be achieved through collaboration between humans and machines. With each new record set and each new skill mastered, Cue is inspiring the next generation of innovators and athletes.