Reliable Method for Launching Ping Pong Balls at Varying Speeds?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on designing a reliable launching mechanism for a beer pong robot, specifically targeting variable launch distances. The user, an electrical engineering student, considers options such as a wheel-based system similar to high-end table tennis robots and compressed air mechanisms. The consensus is that twin wheels, akin to those in baseball pitching machines, provide programmable speed for spin control and consistent performance. The user aims for a compact design, ideally under a few cubic feet.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of mechanical design principles for small robotics
  • Familiarity with control systems for variable speed mechanisms
  • Knowledge of pneumatic systems if considering compressed air
  • Experience with programming for motor control in robotics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research twin wheel mechanisms used in table tennis robots
  • Explore control algorithms for variable speed motor systems
  • Investigate the design and implementation of pneumatic launching systems
  • Learn about compact robotics design principles to optimize space
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for electrical engineering students, robotics enthusiasts, and hobbyists interested in building automated systems for games like beer pong, as well as those looking to understand variable launch mechanisms in robotics.

Kurow
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Hello, I'm an electrical engineering student at Washington State University, and I am attempting to design a beer pong (more properly known as beirut) playing robot. It won't be completely autonomous, as you will still have to tell it when to shoot, and load the balls, etc. Anyway, all of the components necessary to make it are clear to me besides the launching mechanism.

What I need is a launching mechanism that will launch the ball varying distances in a reliable manner that is not too large. I've had a few ideas for doing this: something similar to a http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBxUjBUdQ5o", or perhaps using compressed air? EDIT: The wheel option looks terribly inaccurate based on all the youtube videos.

I'd like to keep the robot relatively small; hopefully it will be less than a few cubic feet. Any suggestions? Thanks!

EDIT: I just realized that in implementing a control for the vertical angle of the launcher that I would no longer need it to change it's launch speed.
 
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The high end table tennis robots use twin wheels, similar to a baseball pitching machine. The wheels speed are indivdually programmable, to allow spin control (for example, top wheel forwards, bottom wheel backwards for heavy top spin). From what I've seen these appear to be fairly consistent.

http://www.megaspin.net/store/default.asp?cid=robots&type=High End Robots
 
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