PongBot Nova S Pro Table Tennis Robot Review

The PongBot Nova S Pro is a table tennis robot that makes solo practice easier and customizable. For the professional or enthusiast looking to elevate their training, this may be the perfect solution. After testing it out for the last few weeks, it’s time for my review.

Programmable drills and flexible placement

Weighing 4 KG and sitting directly on the table, the Nova S Pro can be repositioned for different feeding angles and near-net drills. Its compact design is aimed at players who want programmable practice without committing to a permanent training setup.

It boasts a 150-ball capacity and speeds from 2 to 15m/s, with a delivery rate of 30 to 90 balls per minute. Nine spin types are available, with spin speed rated at up to 60 revolutions per second.

There are 264 programmed drills in total, divided between standard-position and near-net exercises. Custom combinations can contain up to five different balls, with parameters for landing point, speed, spin and feeding frequency. The PongBot app displays the planned landing point and trajectory, while Bluetooth connectivity allows the robot to be operated from the app or the helpfully included N-Control S.

Where the Nova S Pro impresses

What stood out most during testing was the freedom to move the Nova S Pro around the table. Rather than having every ball arrive from the usual end-of-table position, I could shift the robot closer to the net or change its angle to create noticeably different practice scenarios. That made it more useful for working on short balls, wider feeds and movement patterns that are harder to reproduce with a fixed robot.

The Nova S Pro can also apply different speeds and spin, allowing players to practice specific return conditions. The app is particularly useful when customizing ball deployment as it gives a clear visual of what the machine will aim to do.

Limitations to consider before buying

The biggest practical inconvenience is having to stop and collect balls once the hopper is empty. With no return-and-recycling system built into the standard setup, the 150-ball supply eventually needs to be gathered and reloaded manually. PongBot does sell a separate collection net with automatic recycling, although that adds to the overall cost.

I also found myself using the app far more than the N-Control S. The controller is handy for starting, stopping and making basic adjustments without reaching for a phone, but most of the Nova S Pro’s more interesting features are easier to manage through the app. It is still a useful inclusion, just not the main way I would choose to operate the robot.

Disclosure: Review sample provided by PongBot.