Launchbot : Autonomous floorball goalkeeper training

Abstract: The purpose of this project was to help floorball goalkeepers acquire gains in reaction time, catch/loss ratio and overall agility by using a ball launching machine. The device had the ability to launch balls in both a straight or curved trajectory and to aim at different parts of the goal. The project focused on reducing the dispersion of balls launched in order to make the aim as precise as possible. By automating the sequence the training is made rewarding and challenging. In order to make the machine safe and precise, stable materialwas required. However, it was found that the stable and heavy material increased the time to set the aim. The final constructed product had the ability to aim at any part of the goal. The aim was tested at 6m away from the target and at 10m. it was found that 6m away there was a 15cm deviation from the target and at 10m away this deviation was 30cm. The velocity of the floorball at the goal was 15m/s at 75% motor power. The ball curved when spin was applied resulting resulting in the center point of shots moving 42.6cm. The deviation from target with the new trajectory was 20cm from a distance of 6m.