Launcher Robot

Context

Challenged to design and manufacture a robot to complete an obstacle course (above). This included driving up and down ramps, picking up tennis balls, and launching them at targets. All custom parts were manufactured by us with common workshop machining techniques.

Final Product

The design is split into 3 main subassemblies: driving, collecting, and launching. The entire robot can be assembled by 2 people in less than five minutes and measures 24x24 inches. All subassemblies are mounted onto an 80/20 aluminum extrusion frame.

Assemblies

Driving

Differential steering mechanism which reduces complexity and increases launching accuracy. Wheel hubs and mounting plates were manufactured in-house in lathes and mills.

Lifting

Inspired by tennis hoppers and made entirely of welded sheet metal. Collects tennis balls from the ground and releases them into the launching system.

Launching

Inspired by automatic baseball pitchers. Consists of a high rpm motor with a rubber flywheel applying pressure to the tennis balls as they travel through a PVC half-pipe.

Design Specs

Driving

10-inch diameter wheels which clear the frame from the floor and ramps
44 RPM Entstort right angle gear motors control the wheels
Custom aluminum wheel hubs and mounting plates

Lifting

18 gauge aluminum sheet metal spot welded together
4.5 RPM, 125 lb-in double reduction globe motor drives lifting arm
Transfers tennis balls from floor to the PVC pipe for launching

Launching

PVC 90-degree elbow and half-pipe guide the tennis balls from the collection system
3500 RPM globe motor spins flywheel and applies pressure to launch the balls
Custom wheel hub and mounting plate made in-house

3D Models

Results

Completed the obstacle course successfully on 3 different attempts with slight layout variation. The robot was successfully controlled wirelessly through a provided control box. All components worked as intended and no part failure occurred.

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