Touted as an automated personal ball boy that never gets tired, the Tennibot features sophisticated sensors, a unique ball collecting mechanism, and an open source object identification algorithm to collect tennis balls.  We were happy to hear that the quick turnaround functional prototype certainly garnered some attention and investor interest at the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas!

 

While the project started for us just a couple of weeks before the infamous exhibition in Las Vegas, a handful of Auburn University students began developing the mechanics, electronics, and the concept design well ahead of time.  However, after realizing that their original wooden prototype was not show quality, they contacted us to help them with a plastic prototype.

 

During the initial briefing we realized that there would not be enough time to produce the multiple molds and trim fixtures needed for the original design.  Instead we would redesign and fabricate a prototype based around flat CNC cut plastic pieces.  The wiring for the roller, as well as the camera and sensors that were housed in a single thermoformed component on top, was routed through door covered channels in the side panels that terminated in a compartment underneath the heat-bent ramp.  Removing the ball bucket allows the user to slide the ramp out from behind the front section to access all of the electronics, including the main drive motors for the front wheels.  With a little paint job from the students, this unit was off to the show!

 

For more information, visit www.tennibot.com.
 

Tennibot – Robotic Roaming Tennis Ball Collector