Major League Baseball (MLB) is introducing robots to spring training this year on a trial basis in the form of the ABS (Alternate Ball-Strike System). ABS will peer over the home plate umpire’s shoulder to provide the right call if a team challenges the ump’s ball or strike call.

Houston Astros manager Joe Espada wants his major-league players to take advantage of their limited exposure to the automated ball-strike challenge system being tested during spring training games this year.