Major League Baseball has announced the implementation of the Automated Ball-Strike system, commonly referred to as "robot umpires," starting in the 2026 season. This decision follows approval by the MLB Joint Competition Committee, which comprises team owners, players, and an umpire. The ABS system aims to enhance the accuracy of ball and strike calls, addressing longstanding debates over umpire decisions.

The ABS system will not fully replace human umpires but will allow teams to challenge ball and strike calls up to two times per game, with additional challenges available in extra innings. Challenges must be initiated by players and will be reviewed using digital graphics on stadium videoboards. This approach seeks to balance technological advancement with the traditional human elements of the game.

The decision to adopt the ABS system comes after extensive testing in the minor leagues and spring training, where the challenge format was favored by players for retaining the game's human elements, like pitch framing. The system utilizes Hawk-Eye technology to define the strike zone based on a vertical point at the plate relative to batter height. This technology has been in testing since 2022 in minor leagues, and during 2025 spring training and the All-Star Game.

Players and managers have expressed mixed feelings about the change. While some acknowledge the system’s potential to improve call accuracy and reduce contentious ejections, others have concerns about its impact on the game's traditional aspects. Commissioner Rob Manfred emphasized the importance of collaboration with the umpires' union and acknowledged strong player preference for this format.

The introduction of the ABS system marks MLB’s latest major rule innovation following its 2024 overhaul, which included the pitch clock and defensive shift restrictions. These changes reflect the league's ongoing efforts to modernize the game and enhance the fan experience.