A short video introducing the project
Testing the machine
The goal of this project is to build a machine with 2.5 degrees of freedom. This means the machine can move freely along two axes (X and Y) and has limited movement along the third axis (Z). Many machines use this 2.5 DoF setup to perform useful tasks. We adapted the concept in a playful way by creating a machine that simulates a tennis rally. The tennis court is represented by a green, laser-engraved acrylic board, while aluminum extrusion bars provide structural support. All remaining components were custom-designed and 3D printed for a precise fit. To control the four stepper motors, we used an Arduino Mega board in combination with Repetier-Host software to send G-code instructions and simulate a full tennis rally.
These are the 3D models of some the parts that we designed and 3D printed for our machine.