Artificial intelligence takes a strong step in chess with the victory of the SenseRobot over Antoaneta Stefanova and its integration as an official educational tool of the ECU.
The technological revolution has arrived at the chessboard. At an event held on April 12 in the Greek city of Rhodes, SenseRobot and the European Chess Union (ECU) signed a strategic agreement that marks a turning point in how chess is taught and played across the continent. The ceremony, part of the Women’s European Chess Championship 2025, also included a symbolic and widely publicized match between the robot and Grandmaster Antoaneta Stefanova, a former world champion.
A top-level clash: Stefanova vs. SenseRobot
As part of the celebration, a match was organized between the Bulgarian Grandmaster and the AI-powered chess robot in two rapid games of 15 minutes each. In the first game, with the white pieces and an estimated strength level of 3,200 ELO, SenseRobot clearly outperformed Stefanova. In the second game, now playing with the black pieces and a reduced level of 2,200 ELO, the champion managed to achieve a winning position, but the clock became her enemy: failing to accept a draw due to repetition, she ran out of time, and the victory once again went to the robot.
A new paradigm for teaching chess
The agreement signed between the ECU and SenseRobot has an ambitious goal: to modernize chess education using AI-based tools. As part of the agreement, each member federation of the ECU will receive a unit of the robot, designed to assist in training, education, and game analysis.
SenseRobot integrates over 1,200 structured exercises, pairings according to ELO level, and multiple endgame scenarios. Additionally, it can simulate play levels from 200 to 2,900 ELO, allowing for a personalized learning experience that is adaptable to both beginners and advanced players, as well as coaches.
Its compatibility with global platforms such as Lichess.org further expands its reach, enabling online matches from home with players around the world and contributing to continuous learning outside the traditional classroom.
Donations to boost educational chess
During the event in Greece, SenseRobot also donated units to the chess federations of Italy, Slovenia, and Turkey, reinforcing its commitment to promoting chess as an educational tool and fostering international cooperation. This gesture aims to open up new opportunities for exchange in a sport that is increasingly embracing technology as an ally.
Global launch on Indiegogo
On April 11, SenseRobot officially debuted on the crowdfunding platform Indiegogo, presenting its home chess robot as a smart coach and learning companion. The campaign, aimed at the general public, offers special pricing for early backers and marks the beginning of the global commercialization of the device.
More information about the project on IndieGogo
A pioneer in home robotics
SenseRobot is a pioneering brand in smart home robotics. It has been the first company to manufacture intelligent robotic arms at scale for home use, with a design philosophy focused on cognitive stimulation, innovation, visual care, and companionship. Its goal is clear: to bring artificial intelligence into the home environment to foster personal and educational development for its users.
With its victory over a world champion and a strong alliance with the leading European chess institution, SenseRobot demonstrates that chess, despite being an ancient game, has much to gain in the era of artificial intelligence.