Robot umpires approved for MLB in 2026 as part of challenge system. Here's how they work

"Robot umpires are coming to the big leagues in 2026 after Major League Baseball's 11-man competition committee on Tuesday approved use of the Automated Ball/Strike System. ABS will be introduced in the form of a challenge system in which the human umpire makes each call, which can be appealed to the computer. Robot umpires have been tested in the minor leagues since 2019, with recent testing done at Triple-A since 2022, MLB spring training this year and at this summer's All-Star Game in Atlanta."

"Stadiums are outfitted with cameras that track each pitch and judge whether it crossed home plate within the strike zone. In early testing, umpires wore ear buds and would hear "ball" or "strike," then relay that to players and fans with traditional hand signals. The challenge system adds a wrinkle. Human umps call every pitch, but each team has the ability to challenge two calls per game."

"Only a batter, pitcher or catcher may challenge a call, signaling with the tap of a helmet or cap; and assistance from the dugout is not allowed. A challenge must be made within 2 seconds, and the graphic of the pitch and strike zone is shown on the scoreboard and broadcast feed. The umpire then announces the updated count. MLB estimates the process averages 17 seconds."

Major League Baseball will implement an Automated Ball-Strike System in 2026 after committee approval. The system operates as a challenge process where human umpires make every call that can be appealed to computer judgment. Each team receives two challenges per game, gains one additional challenge in extra innings after expending challenges, and retains a challenge if successful. Only the batter, pitcher, or catcher may initiate a challenge within two seconds by tapping a helmet or cap. Stadiums use Hawk-Eye pose-tracking cameras that judge whether a pitch crossed the strike zone based on each batter's calibrated height measured without shoes; calibration takes less than one minute per player. The process averages about 17 seconds and shows a strike-zone graphic on scoreboards and broadcasts.

Read at ABC7 Los Angeles