
Limited capability —
Sony's prototype robot golfer Qrio shows off its skills during a technology exhibition in Japan.

The way forward? —
Sony's robot sits on a teebox during a PGA Tour tournament sponsored by the Japanese corporation.

The payoff —
South African star Ernie Els receives his winning check from Qrio at the 2004 Sony Open.

Tech standard —
Robots designed by Golf Laboratories Inc. are the industry standard in golf club and ball testing, and can be programmed to simulate any swing.

Swing shift —
Golf robots used in testing can be programmed to hit drives of over 350 yards with various degrees of spin.

Ready to roll —
The use of robotics is rapidly spreading to golf course maintenance, and the award-winning Precise Path mower is now being widely used.

Rise of the machines —
An early prototype robot was used to assist two women golfers with their swings in this 1925 picture.