The original pitch adjustment was replaced with a linear actuator capable of raising and lowering the machine. A second actuator was added to automate the firing mechanism, mounted beneath the existing firing mechanism with precisely positioned linear bearings. Automating the yaw mechanism proved to be the most complex challenge. Our design used a custom adapter plate that mounted to the machine’s existing features to secure a geared stepper motor, which meshed with a matching custom gear fastened to the base. A small servo motor was used to control the launcher wheel’s RPM. All motors and sensors were connected to an Arduino Mega, which served as the central controller and processor. Plays could be preprogrammed with a timer or triggered remotely from the field. Each modification was designed as a bolt-on component with straightforward assembly steps, allowing the system to be marketed as an affordable upgrade kit to the machine priced at $500 or less.
Robotic Football Launcher
This project was part of my college capstone team. Our goal was to create an automated football passing machine that allows wide receivers to train on their own, maximizing practice time and improving their catching skills. To achieve this, we started with the industry-leading Jugs machine and added automated pitch, yaw, and firing systems, enabling accurate targeting and consistent delivery of footballs to predetermined spots on the field.