Pingo, the motion-detecting ping pong ball launcher

If you want to “enhance your athletic training regimen,” or perhaps just have a bit of fun with robotically launched ping pong balls, then be sure to check out the Pingo apparatus shown in the video below. This robot moves back and forth on four DC motor-powered wheels, searching for targets with an ultrasonic rangefinder.

– Werbung –

When something comes into view, Pingo adjusts its ping pong launching tube’s angle to match the target distance, then loads a ball and flings it into the air with a pair of spinning disks. 

The device is controlled by an Arduino Mega and uses a half-dozen DC motors, a pair of steppers, and even a servo to accomplish its mission.