The MaruBot Football League table can use up to four players, each controlling one of the four robots. I don't really know how much fun is this to play, but I would just do it to see the cute robot's faces. [IR Robot via ChipChick]

The handles are tracked by infra-red sensors, and the software uses that information to make the players spin on the virtual soccer-field in a realistic way.

The table was only really built to demonstrate the team's physics engine, so you won't be able to pick one up anytime soon. I'm OK with that: it's nice eye-candy, but I'd miss the satisfaction of hearing that old-school mechanical clunk when you score (or get too excited and almost break the table). [Space Foosball Project via Technabob]

Space Foosball from yunsil heo on Vimeo.

Of course, this particular foosball coffee table isn't completely handcrafted—but I doubt you will mind. What it does have is a poplar frame, hand-carved handles and a tempered glass top. I don't know if I would put this sort of thing in my living room or anything—but it would be perfect in a den, media room or game room. [Hammacher via The Green Head]

This is Barbie Foot, an art installation by Chloe Ruchon presented at the DMY Berlin Design Festival 2009. [Design Boom via Born Rich]

I mean, it's no pool, but it's still not that low-impact of a game. You've got people leaning on handles, a small ball whipping around and bouncing off the walls. It's probably not enough force to shatter the thing, but I can see cracks showing up in this lovely object after not too long. But hey, it sure looks neat. [Teckell]

Besides just looking cool, the table features monitors on both sides, an automatic ball lift, score display and, of course, cup holders. I'm not sure how much it costs, but think expensive thoughts. [2eleven via BeSportier]

The design company behind the tables has chosen not to share the pricing information, so the magnitude of sticker shock an interested foosball enthusiast can expect with the Teckell collection is unknown. Still, who would want one of these? Foosball is a casual game involving beer drinking, take no prisoners competition, yelling, screaming and the occasional fistfight—not dressing up in your Sunday best and sharing a glass of champagne with Richie Rich. [Teckell via Trends Now via DVICE]

The computer runs a Java Media Framework app that tracks the ball as well as the human opponent via webcam. The PC then issues commands to a PIC microcontroller across a serial line, based on the information it's receiving. From there, the microcontroller tells the servos to either move or kick the ball. In addition, the table can predict the trajectory of the ball, lifting its midfielders in time to set up a clear shot.

Despite how awesome it looks to the layman, the project wasn't perfect according to the team. For one, they'd like to improve the moving and kicking speeds, a task which would simply require larger (and more expensive) gears. Also, they would ideally have a webcam capturing video at 60fps instead of the current 30fps. These improvements, combined with a better AI engine, could pump the table up to beating a serious player, or at least most drunk and/or stoned college kids.

I would love to try this table out, and maybe I will. But until those improvements are made, I guess I'll have to settle for actual social interaction. [Autonomous Foosball Table via Hack a Day]

Machine Specs:
• Mainboard: Asus nForce Socket AM2
• CPU: AMD Athlon64 X2 4200+
• RAM: Corsair 1024MB XMS2 PC6400
• GFX: Asus GeForce 8800 GTS 320MB
• DVD: LG DVD burner
• HDD: Western Digital 250GB
• PSU: Xilence 420W
• SND: Creative X-Fi Xtreme Gamer