The Design and Physical Implementation of Tennis Training Robots

Tennis launching machines available on markets generally have a single function to launch balls from a fixed point. Different from traditional tennis launching machines, a tennis training robot with stereo vision and image processing algorithm is designed in this paper. In specific, trainers can not only use this tennis training robot as a normal tennis launcher, but also switch it into the versus model which offers a vivid experience like fighting against a human player. All these functions are realized with the aid of innovative mechanical structure, stereo vision technology and highly efficient mobile base. The launching construction of this tennis training robot is designed as a three-wheel structure which can emit balls with various spins. Moreover, the introduction of the stereo vision system and the image processing algorithm makes it possible to detect and track the ball. Finally, the tennis training robot is capable of finishing a timely collection of tennis balls with its mobile base.