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Project Overview

The project consists of developing a tennis ball collecting machine, designed to automate a process that is currently performed manually in clubs and sports academies. By integrating a traction system like "Car Track" powered by Artificial Intelligence, the device identifies, chases and collects balls autonomously. This makes it possible to optimize training time, reduce the physical effort of staff and improve operational efficiency within sports facilities.

Tennis Ball Collector Main View
Conceptual view of the autonomous collecting machine
Tennis Ball Collector Main View
Conceptual view of the autonomous collecting machine

About the Company

REMSTEC www.remstec.com is a company dedicated to the development of cutting-edge technology, specializing in embedded products powered by Artificial Intelligence. Their job is to integrate advanced processing capabilities directly into the hardware for real-time decision making. In addition, they focus on the training of technical talent through PLC and advanced systems trainings, always maintaining the pride of producing disruptive technology designed and materialized entirely by their own engineering.

The Problem to Solve

In training sessions, up to 40% of the time is wasted manually retrieving balls. This reduces the number of effective repetitions an athlete can perform and leads to physical fatigue for the coaching staff.

  • Inefficient training time management.
  • Manual labor intensive.
  • Interruption of athlete's flow state.

Design & Planning

The system was designed using a modular approach. Using Fusion 360 for mechanical design and KiCad for the custom PCB control system.

CAD Design Fusion 360
Initial CAD design in Fusion 360
Mechanical Assembly
Mechanical assembly and structure
Detail Design
Detail of collection mechanism
Structure Design
Chassis structure design
Final Render
Final render of the robot
Final Render
Final render of the robot
Final Render
Final render of the robot
Final Render
Final render of the robot
Final Render
Final render of the robot
Final Render
Final render of the robot
Final Render
Final render of the robot

Mechanical Prototyping

3D printing and laser cutting processes for chassis and mechanical components development.

3D printing process of mechanical components
Laser cutting
Laser cutting of MDF chassis
Collection mechanism testing
First assembly
First prototype assembly

Electronics & PCB Design

Custom PCB design using KiCad, component soldering, and system integration testing.

KiCad schematic
PCB Schematic in KiCad
PCB Board
Milled PCB board
Soldering process
Component soldering process
Electronics testing and validation

Components Used

  • Raspberry Pi Pico / ESP32-C3 for control
  • Motor drivers (A4953 / DRV8825)
  • NEMA 17 stepper motors for traction
  • DC motor for collection brush
  • Camera module for AI vision
  • 12V LiPo battery system

Implementation Timeline

Week 1-4: Prototyping

Testing the collection mechanism and initial chassis assembly using 3D printed parts.

Week 5-8: Electronics

Integration of Raspberry Pi Pico and motor drivers. Development of the AI vision script.

Week 9-12: Final Assembly

Final CNC cutting of the chassis and full-system testing in the field.

Resources & Materials

MATERIAL QUANTITY UNIT COST (MXN) TOTAL COST (MXN)
Stepper motor (NEMA 17) 4 250 1,000
Driver 8825 4 60 240
Raspberry Pi Pico 1 200 200
MDF / Plywood Sheet 1 350 350
Camera Module 1 400 400
LiPo Battery 12V 1 500 500

Final Assembly & Testing

Complete integration of all systems and field testing results.

Final assembly
Fully assembled robot
Field testing on tennis court
AI vision system tracking balls
Collection test
Ball collection efficiency test
Final demonstration - Autonomous ball collection