High School Project - Mini Airhockey Table with Robotic Arm

In summary, the robotic arm in the mini airhockey table is controlled by a microcontroller and sensors that detect the position of the puck. The materials needed to build this project include a microcontroller, sensors, motors, a wooden board, a power source, and various tools. The time to build it can vary from a few hours to a few days, and it can be controlled remotely using a wireless communication module. However, safety concerns must be considered when working with the robotic arm, such as proper wiring and avoiding injuries from the moving parts.
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jkengineer
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[Mentor Note -- This thread start is outside of the normal scope of PF, but we are allowing it because it's a pretty well-done project for the level of the student] :smile:

Hi all,

I would like to share my high school engineering project - A Mini Airhockey table with Robotic Defender:
https://www.instructables.com/Air-Hockey-Table-With-Robotic-Defender/

Thanks
 
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Thanks for allowing the post.
 
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Great efforts on the sketch-it build. The servo error feedback must have been a significant challenge just to convert vector red-shift to target position.
 

FAQ: High School Project - Mini Airhockey Table with Robotic Arm

How does the robotic arm interact with the air hockey table?

The robotic arm is programmed to detect the puck's position using sensors and then move accordingly to hit or block the puck. It uses a combination of motors and actuators to mimic the actions of a human player.

What materials are needed to build the mini air hockey table?

To build the mini air hockey table, you will need plywood or MDF for the table surface, a small air pump or fans to create the air cushion, a puck, paddles, and a robotic arm kit. Additional materials may include sensors, microcontrollers (like an Arduino), and various electronic components for the robotic arm.

How do you program the robotic arm?

The robotic arm is programmed using a microcontroller, such as an Arduino or Raspberry Pi. You can write the code in languages such as C++ or Python, depending on the microcontroller. The code includes algorithms for detecting the puck's position and determining the arm's movements to interact with the puck.

What kind of sensors are used to track the puck?

Common sensors used to track the puck include infrared sensors, ultrasonic sensors, or camera-based systems. These sensors detect the puck's position and speed, providing data to the microcontroller to calculate the robotic arm's movements.

How do you ensure the air hockey table surface is smooth and has consistent airflow?

To ensure a smooth surface, you can use a high-quality piece of plywood or MDF and sand it down to remove any imperfections. For consistent airflow, evenly distribute small holes across the table surface and use a reliable air pump or multiple small fans to create a uniform air cushion that allows the puck to glide smoothly.

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