khoji parkRobots · Nagakute, Aichi, Japan · 2024
Toyota Built a Basketball Robot. Then It Started Keeping Records.
An in-house engineering project evolves into a record-breaking machine.
Read in slides1. Project Origins
The CUE basketball robot project began on April 1, 2017, as an in-house voluntary activity by engineers within Toyota Motor Corporation. The creators wanted to test whether artificial intelligence and robotics could achieve human-like precision in physical tasks. Working outside their regular duties, the volunteer team built early prototypes utilizing basic components. They sought to explore new methods in motion control and sensor integration through the sport of basketball.
The initial volunteer initiative gradually gained support within the company.
2. First Public Debut
On March 28, 2018, the first-generation CUE robot made its public debut at a home game of the professional basketball team Alvark Tokyo. Following this successful introduction, Toyota officially adopted the project as an ongoing development task in May 2018. Subsequent iterations of the robot incorporated mechanical improvements, refined sensor arrays, and advanced artificial intelligence algorithms. The engineering team continuously upgraded the machine's ability to receive, handle, and shoot the basketball.
The project transitioned into an official corporate research endeavor.
3. First Record
The third-generation CUE3 robot achieved widespread fame after its debut in April 2019, generating over 30 million views online. On May 17, 2019, CUE3 set its first Guinness World Record for the most consecutive basketball free throws by an assisted humanoid robot. The machine successfully sank 2,020 free throws in a row without missing. Engineers eventually decided to halt the successful attempt manually when time constraints required them to conclude.
The recorded free-throw attempt ended after 2,020 consecutive baskets.
4. Continued Upgrades
Following the 2019 milestone, the development team continued refining the robot's physical capabilities and shooting mechanics. The fourth-generation CUE4 debuted in November 2019 and participated in the three-point shootout at the B. League All-Star Game. Later iterations introduced mobility enhancements, allowing the robots to move on wheels, independently collect balls from different court positions, and execute dribbling maneuvers. Foot-mounted cameras and improved hand actuators provided better sensory feedback for variable shooting conditions.
Each new generation expanded the robot's range of motion and autonomy.
5. Second Record Attempt
In late 2024, the Toyota Frontier Research team prepared for a new attempt by attempting to shoot from a significantly greater distance than previous trials. Project leader Tomohiro Nomi noted that the team wanted to test the robot’s throwing form at greater distance. On September 26, 2024, the sixth-generation CUE6 robot was positioned in Nagakute, Aichi, to attempt a long-range shot. Engineers hoped the machine would secure a second Guinness World Records title.
CUE6 was set up for the long-distance attempt in Aichi.
6. Record Shot
During the official attempt, the robot's initial shot struck the rim and bounced back toward the machine. On its second attempt, the CUE6 robot successfully launched the basketball through the net from an immense distance. Official adjudicators measured the shot at 24.55 meters, equivalent to 80 feet and 6 inches away from the hoop. This remarkable feat earned the machine its second official Guinness World Records title for the farthest basketball shot by a humanoid robot.
The successful basket established a new international standard for humanoid robotics.
7. Technology and AI
The success of the CUE platform relied on specialized artificial intelligence algorithms designed to analyze structural variables in real time. The robot utilized integrated sensors to calculate trajectory, adjust arm position, and correct shot strength based on environmental feedback. Rather than operating as a simple mechanical catapult, the machine continuously learned from errors and adapted its shooting form. This adaptive control system allowed it to maintain high accuracy across varying distances.
The software architecture successfully integrated real-time sensory feedback.
8. Future Goals
CUE6’s successful long-distance attempt was measured at 24.55 meters and recognized by Guinness in 2024. Earlier versions had demonstrated other basketball tasks, including the consecutive assisted-free-throw record. These were separate demonstrations with different versions of the robot. The records did not mean a robot had played a complete human basketball match or achieved every future capability the project team hoped to develop.
The measured shot became the record for that attempt.