Design and Evaluation of Shared Tennis Service Robots Based on AHP–FCE
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: To address persistent challenges in tennis—such as inefficient ball retrieval, the high cost of serving equipment, and difficulties in scheduling matches—this study proposes the design of a shared tennis service robot aimed at improving user experience and validating design feasibility. Grounded in user experience theory, user requirements were collected through questionnaires and structured interviews. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was adopted to construct a hierarchical model of requirements. Weighted calculations were then applied to quantify and rank user needs. Design solutions were then derived based on these rankings. To evaluate the solutions, the Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation (FCE) method was utilized for multidimensional assessment. The results show that AHP identified three core requirements: intelligent ball retrieval, intelligent serving, and personalized serving parameter customization. Guided by these priorities, the proposed design integrates a shared rental model with multisensory interactive feedback. The final evaluation yielded an FCE score of 87.83, confirming the effectiveness of the solution. The combined AHP-FCE method provides a systematic framework for quantifying user needs and objectively evaluating design alternatives. It also offers a methodological foundation for the development of sports service robots. The shared tennis robot effectively reduces labor and operational costs while enhancing the overall user experience.
Source: Applied Sciences
DOI: 10.3390/app152011147
Authors: Xiaoxia Xu, Ping Meng, Miao Zhao, Yan Li, Yuannian Cai, Xinxing Tang
Institution: Changchun University of Technology
Language: English
Field: Decision Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,896
OpenAlex ID: W4415282536