Photos: World’s first robotic chessboard autonomously moves pieces without human touch

The Phantom Chessboard, launched in late 2025, is the world’s first robotic chessboard that autonomously moves pieces without any human touch. Crafted entirely from solid walnut and maple, it combines traditional woodworking with advanced robotics to create an elegant, heirloom-quality chess experience. The board features a patented layered architecture concealing a magnetic sensor grid and ultra-quiet linear actuators that move pieces silently at under 18 decibels, avoiding the mechanical noise common in previous robotic chessboards. Its design maintains the appearance of a classic chessboard with no visible motors or plastic components. Phantom easily connects via Bluetooth to a companion app, enabling seamless integration with popular online chess platforms like Lichess and Chess.com. It supports online matches by physically replicating moves on the board and offers AI opponents such as Stockfish and Maia for varied skill levels. A unique Sculpture Mode allows autonomous replay of historic or personal games, enhancing learning and enjoyment through a tactile, visual experience. The technology is protected by