FINAL PROJECT

JAVIER VEGA // PROJECT LOG

MISSION IDENTITY

FINAL PROJECT

The AI Goal Sentinel is a portable device that turns any regular soccer goal into a smart training system. You simply attach it to the crossbar, and it is ready to use. It automatically detects your shots and sends data instantly to your phone, showing you the speed of the ball and exactly where it entered the goal. It turns a normal practice session into a fun, measurable game.

I am making this project because professional football tools are usually too expensive and hard to use for normal players. Most people cannot measure how fast they shoot or improve their accuracy with data. This project solves that problem by creating a cheap and easy-to-use device that lets anyone track their progress, just like professional athletes do.

THE ORIGIN STORY (MOTIVATION)

I have been passionate about football since I was a kid. It’s not just a hobby; it’s part of who I am. However, training alone can be difficult without feedback. I often wonder: "How fast was that shot?" or "Did I hit the corner precisely?"

This project combines my love for the sport with digital fabrication. My goal is to build a device that helps players like me improve their accuracy and power through real-time data, making training sessions more effective and fun.

TECHNICAL BLUEPRINT (THE ARSENAL)

The AI Goal Sentinel is an autonomous device designed to attach to any standard goalpost. To achieve portability and precision, the system integrates the following hardware components:

A. ELECTRONICS & LOGIC


  • ESP32-S3: High processing power for AI vision and built-in Wi-Fi.

  • Custom PCB: Fabricated board to integrate MCU and sensors compactly.

  • OV2640 Camera: Tracks the ball's trajectory and calculates speed.

  • SPEED SENSORS VL53L5CX: They measure the laser distance to calculate the speed of the shot.

B. POWER & MECHANICS


  • LiPo Battery (3.7V): Provides wireless autonomy.

  • Charge Module TP4056: To safely recharge the battery from any cell phone charger.

  • 3D Printed body: Weather-resistant case.

  • Velcro Strap : Flexible quick-release mechanism.
TOP SECRET SCHEMATIC

Initial Concept Sketch v1.0

Final Project Sketch

Fig 1. First hand-drawn visualization of the system components.

STRATEGIC TIMELINE

Roadmap aligned with the Fab Academy 2026 Official Schedule.

  • WEEK 1 (JAN 21)

    Project Management

    Defining the concept, sketching the initial idea, and setting up the documentation website (Git & HTML).

  • WEEK 2 (JAN 28)

    Computer-Aided Design

    Creating the first 2D and 3D representations of the goal structure using SolidWorks.

  • WEEK 3 (FEB 04)

    Computer-Controlled Cutting

    Laser cutting a scale model to test the mechanism and verify the folding system.

  • WEEKS 6-8 (FEB-MAR)

    Electronics Design & Production

    Designing the custom PCB in KiCad (Week 6) and fabricating it (Week 8) to house the ESP32 and power management.

  • WEEK 7 (MAR 04)

    Computer-Controlled Machining

    Designing and cutting the full-scale frame structure using the monofab. Testing stability on the field.

  • WEEK 9 (MAR 18)

    Input Devices

    Calibrating the sensors to determinate speed and position of the ball when it crosses the goal line.

  • WEEK 11 (APR 01)

    Networking & Communications

    Programming the ESP32 to communicate wirelessly (Wi-Fi/Bluetooth) and send score data to a device.

  • WEEK 14 (APR 29)

    Interface Programming

    Developing the visual App or Web Dashboard where the player sees their speed and accuracy stats.

  • WEEKS 15-17 (MAY)

    System Integration & Development

    Final assembly, 3D printing enclosure, cable management, field testing, and recording the presentation video.