Prototyping a Billiards Bot

Robots come in varying degrees of complexity. Some may need to navigate around a room using relatively simple sensors, while others have to use more complicated devices to execute decision making and control tasks, such as playing pool. Purdue mechanical engineer “Bvarv” has been working on one such billiards bot using Arduino boards and a PixyCam vision system.

Currently the project, which he’s named “Judith,” exists as a one-sixth scale model, using a unique design that supports the table with one central post that the robot can rotate about using a belt drive and bearings made out of slingshot ammunition.

Although the bot is not currently functional, it has some interesting elements, including a great looking mini-table and stop switches for orientation.

You can see how he intends for things to work in the stop motion video here, and check out his write-up for more info on its progress. Who knows, perhaps full-sized ones will be coming to a pool hall near you in the not-too-distant future!