Pickleball Machine

Project

Pickleball is a sport that usually requires two or more players of similar skill level.

The Pickleball Machines Goals:

• Allow a single person to practice pickleball.
• Allow a player to practice against various types of returns.
• Increase a player’s pickleball skill level.
• Control wirelessly from across the court.

System

Methods

• Bluetooth module uses UART protocol to communicate wirelessly with the user via mobile app.
• Pulse width modulated (PWM) signals from the microcontroller control each launcher motor for speed control.
• Telescopic actuator and stepper motor allow for control of vertical and horizontal launch angles.
• Linear actuator periodically retracts to feed balls into launcher mechanism.
• Custom built mechanical frame seamlessly integrates electronic hardware.

Conclusion

• The system design was successfully implemented both mechanically and in software.
• The system successfully launches pickleballs with varying launch characteristics.
• The mechanical design and implementation takes a lot more time and effort than we thought.
• The next phase of the project would be to better calibrate the hardware/software for a more consistent and authentic ball launch.