Major League Baseball has announced the implementation of the Automated Ball-Strike System , colloquially known as "robot umpires," starting in the 2026 season. This decision follows approval by the league's 11-member competition committee and marks a significant technological advancement in the sport.

The ABS aims to enhance the accuracy of ball and strike calls by utilizing Hawk-Eye technology, which has been extensively tested in minor leagues and spring training games. Under the new system, players—batters, pitchers, and catchers—will have the ability to challenge ball and strike calls up to two times per game, with additional challenges permitted in extra innings. Challenges can be initiated by tapping on their helmet or cap, and each team starts with two challenges, retaining a challenge if it is successful.

While the ABS will not fully replace human umpires, it introduces a challenge system that allows for immediate review of specific calls. This approach aims to maintain the human element of the game while improving call accuracy and reducing contentious ejections. The system defines the strike zone based on a vertical point at the plate relative to batter height, ensuring consistency across different players.

The decision to implement the ABS follows 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 move marks MLB’s latest major rule innovation following its 2024 overhaul, which included the pitch clock and defensive shift restrictions.

As the 2026 season approaches, teams and players are preparing for the integration of this new technology. The league anticipates that the ABS will lead to more accurate and fair game outcomes, though it remains to be seen how players and fans will adapt to this significant change in the game's officiating.