MLB to Launch Automated Ball-Strike System in 2026 Season

Major League Baseball (MLB) has confirmed that the Automated Ball-Strike System (ABS), widely known as “robot umpires,” will officially debut in the 2026 season.

The league’s joint Competition Committee, approved the decision this week, following six years of rigorous testing across the Atlantic League, Minor Leagues, and most recently MLB spring training and the All-Star Game.

The ABS system will be used in a challenge-based format, with each team allowed two challenges per game, retaining them if successful. Teams will also receive an extra challenge at the start of each extra inning.

Commenting on the announcement, MLB Commissioner, Rob Manfred, said: “The real goal for us has always been in the high-leverage situations when it really matters, to have an outlet where you can get a bad call corrected.” 

MLB EVP of Baseball Operations, Morgan Sword, said the system had now reached a point where it was viable for the highest level.

“Each year that we’ve tested this system, we’ve made progress, but it wasn’t until recently that we think we got to something that was really viable for the major leagues,” Sword said.

Testing data showed players challenged approximately four calls per game during spring training 2025, with a success rate of 52.2%. Challenges in MLB averaged 13.8 seconds, slightly quicker than Triple-A’s 16.6 seconds.

Powered by Hawk-Eye Innovations and integrated with T-Mobile’s 5G network, ABS offers ball-tracking accuracy within one-fifth of an inch. Unlike the traditional 3D strike zone, ABS applies a 2D strike zone across the plate from 27% to 53.5% of a batter’s height.

The system, already sponsored and branded on in-stadium animations and broadcast integrations, is expected to reshape not only officiating consistency but also commercial opportunities within MLB’s digital and fan engagement portfolio.

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