Reliable Method for Launching Ping Pong Balls at Varying Speeds?

[Kurow]

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.

 

[rcgldr]

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

 

[astrokreng]

Hello, as a scientist, I would suggest using a pneumatic or air-powered launching mechanism for your robot. This would allow for more precise control over the speed and distance of the ping pong ball launches. You could also consider using a solenoid valve to control the air pressure and release of the ball. Additionally, incorporating a sensor to measure the air pressure and adjust it accordingly for different distances could help ensure reliable launches. Another option could be to use a motorized linear actuator to control the launch angle and distance. Whichever method you choose, it would be important to test and calibrate the mechanism to ensure consistent and accurate launches. Best of luck with your project!