SenseRobot plays vs Bodhana Sivanandan and Ivan Sokolov at the ECU’s 40th Anniversary
In a dazzling celebration of chess and innovation, SenseRobot, a trailblazing partner of the European Chess Union (ECU), was awarded the prestigious Innovation and Partnership Award at the ECU’s 40th Anniversary Celebration in Batumi, Georgia. This honor celebrates SenseRobot’s relentless contributions to the global chess community, merging cutting-edge technology with the timeless allure of the game to inspire players and fans alike.
Held in the vibrant coastal city of Batumi, the ceremony drew chess grandmasters and enthusiasts from across the globe, marking four decades of the ECU’s leadership in elevating chess as a sport and cultural cornerstone. SenseRobot’s recognition underscored its role in redefining how the world engages with this ancient game.
Tommy Tang, CEO of SenseRobot, accepted the award on behalf of the company and delivered a heartfelt speech expressing gratitude for the ECU’s recognition. “We are deeply honored to receive this award, which reflects our shared vision with the ECU to elevate chess as a universal language of strategy and intellect,” said Tang. “At SenseRobot, we believe technology can inspire new generations to embrace chess, fostering not only critical thinking but also creativity and innovation.”
Tang electrified the crowd with the announcement of the SenseRobot Chess MINI, a sleek, portable evolution of the acclaimed SenseRobot Chess. Infused with STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education features, the Chess MINI is designed to spark curiosity in young minds, blending chess mastery with coding and critical thinking skills. This innovative product introduces chess lovers to the joys of chess while equipping them with tools for intellectual growth in an engaging, tech-driven format.
Earlier in the day, ECU and SenseRobot entered into a deeper collaboration through a signing ceremony to jointly promote chess development. In a bold commitment to the ECU’s mission, SenseRobot pledged to donate units of the SenseRobot Chess MINI to the ECU. This initiative aligns with their collective vision of “Making Europe Smarter Together,” promoting chess culture and STEAM education across schools, chess clubs, and communities throughout Europe. The donation will support the ECU’s efforts to make chess accessible to diverse audiences, fostering inclusivity and inspiring the next generation of players and innovators.
The SenseRobot Chess MINI will feature an intuitive interface, interactive tutorials, and customizable gameplay modes, making it an ideal tool for both beginners and seasoned players. By integrating coding challenges and chess puzzles, the Chess MINI bridges the gap between education and entertainment, reinforcing SenseRobot’s leadership in chess innovation.
“We are thrilled to partner with SenseRobot, whose visionary approach has enriched the chess ecosystem,” said a representative of the ECU. “From groundbreaking technology to educational outreach, they’re opening doors for players of all ages to discover the magic of chess.”
Chess AI vs. Masters: A Battle of Wits and Innovation
On October 11, 2025, SenseRobot and the ECU co-hosted two heart-pounding Chess AI vs. Chess Masters showdowns from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM GET, setting the stage for an unforgettable prelude to the anniversary festivities. These rapid 30-minute battles pitted SenseRobot’s state-of-the-art AI against two chess titans: Bodhana Sivanandan, the 10-year-old prodigy and Woman International Master, and Ivan Sokolov, a legendary Grandmaster and esteemed coach.
The arena buzzed with anticipation as Bodhana, the youngest player to ever defeat a Grandmaster, faced the AI with fearless creativity. Her tactical brilliance shone through, culminating in a breathtaking draw after a nail-biting endgame, earning roars of approval from the crowd. Sokolov, a master of strategic depth, delivered a spellbinding performance, outwitting the AI in a gripping rook-and-pawn finale to claim victory. The matches, live-streamed globally, left fans marveling at the clash of human genius and machine precision.
“The intensity of these matches highlights the unique synergy between human creativity and AI innovation,” said Tommy Tang. “Bodhana and Ivan demonstrated extraordinary skill, and we’re proud to provide a platform that challenges the best minds in chess while inspiring the next generation.”
The Chess AI vs. Chess Masters event underscored SenseRobot’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of chess through technology. Live-streamed to a global audience, the matches sparked vibrant discussions, with fans praising the players’ performances and the AI’s ability to challenge even the most accomplished masters. The event also served as a preview of the capabilities of the upcoming SenseRobot Chess MINI, which will allow players worldwide to train against a similar AI engine.
Global Acclaim for SenseRobot Chess
The SenseRobot Chess platform stole the spotlight in Batumi, captivating professional players and enthusiasts alike. Grandmasters and rising stars flocked to test their skills against the AI, marveling at its fast decision-making and dynamic playstyle. “It’s like sparring with a chess genius who never blinks,” one international master remarked, noting how the AI’s objective analysis could revolutionize training by pinpointing strategic blind spots.
The platform’s live game facility, which connects players worldwide in real-time, broke down geographical barriers, allowing attendees to challenge opponents from distant continents. This feature ignited excitement for its potential to build a vibrant, global chess community.
“Batumi showed us the future of chess,” said Tang. “The enthusiasm for SenseRobot Chess and the upcoming Chess MINI is proof that we’re sparking a global movement.”
For more information about SenseRobot, the Chess MINI, or partnership opportunities, visit SenseRobot’s website