SenseRobot, a physical artificial intelligence (AI)-powered robot, beat one Chinese chess master and tied another one in an eye-catching event at Shenzhen Bay Science and Technology Ecological Park in Nanshan District on Saturday, Shenzhen Evening News reported.

Renowned Chinese chess master Cao Yanlei first took the lead during the game, but gradually lost his momentum.

SenseRobot, a physical AI-powered robot, challenges Chinese chess master Cao Yanlei to a game. Photos by Zheng Zhipeng

Cao had to press the “propose a draw” button after a fierce competition and the robot accepted it.

“I made no mistakes and was leading at first during our match. If I let the robot take the lead at first, it may be more challenging for me to seek a draw,” Cao said.

It was the third match between human masters and the robot in Chinese chess games.

Liu Dahua and the robot in the game.

Liu Dahua, the 73-year-old nicknamed as the “Oriental Computer” in Chinese chess, was the robot’s fourth challenger. 

Liu also took the lead at first, but that didn’t last long. He lost his edge, and the game went into a standstill.

Liu had no choice but to accept the loss. “SenseRobot is very powerful. I have watched its chess games before. Its defense is tight, and it can seize the chance to attack when opportunity comes. Generally speaking, I have no regret about the loss.”

A week before, the robot made Chinese chess history when it beat two professional human chess masters — world champion Xie Jing and national youth champion Gu Bowen — during a livestreamed event in Shanghai.

The robot plays chess.

Chinese chess is a national cultural treasure which has a long history, is simple and has basic rules that are easy to understand.

Wang Zhiqiang, an official from the Shenzhen Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports, said that the chess robot is a tool for human intelligence development. Its invention will not reduce the charm of Chinese chess but will highlight the fun of playing chess in more diversified matches.

“As a new product compatible with science and technology as well as traditional culture, SenseRobot came to Shenzhen to compete with chess masters. It will undoubtedly promote keeping Chinese chess alive in the new era,” Wang said. 

Unlike AlphaGo, which needs help while playing chess, SenseRobot can independently observe changes during the game, calculate moves and get results. This means the robot can be the best “practice partner” for chess lovers. It has obtained authorization from the Chinese Chess Association and can provide users professional courses.