Toyota's Robot Hits 3-Pointers, But It's Not for the NBA

Toyota has revealed a major upgrade to its basketball-playing robot. The machine, called CUE, can now sink three-point shots with high accuracy. The robot uses sensors on its chest to measure the distance to the hoop. Its AI system then calculates the perfect trajectory. Using motors in its knees and arms, it adjusts its posture and releases the shot. The latest version can make free throws and three-pointers from anywhere behind the line. However, Toyota did not build CUE for sports. It is a research project. The goal is to improve the precision and balance of robotic movements. This technology could one day help in manufacturing or assistive devices. The robot first debuted in 2018. Its development continues without a human-like torso or head, focusing purely on the mechanics of the shot.