Project Update:
Since last week, I have made some great progress on my project. After many iterations, I finally settled on a design that works for my wheel launcher. I am now working on programming my different boards in order to connect them via a network. Instead of using a servo motor, I'm going to be using a stepper motor now in order to rotate the wheel launcher. I will still be using DC Motors in order to rotate the wheels.
Project Plan for Dissemination:
I plan to disseminate my project by making it available through an open source site like Thingiverse. I will upload my files to that website in order to make them available. I also plan to connect my project with the other projects of my labmates in order to make a fully functional ping pong machine, including not just the ball launcher, but also a ball feed, pan/tilt head, and a catching net. After connecting my project with the other parts, I plan to start using it with the students located at the school housed in the same building as us. Assuming it is helpful, we can then talk to other schools and physical education programs around the city of Detroit to see if they would like to use the machine as a teaching tool for their students.