Today in Edworking News we want to talk about Code to support my autonomous foosball playing robot misprit7/foosbar
The (Unverifiably but Plausibly) World's Best Foosball Robot
Video explanation: Watch here
Pitch
As a very enthusiastic foosball player, I've invested countless hours into the game. However, as a programmer, the concept of practice seemed fundamentally misguided. Repeating tasks to marginally improve efficiency sounded like an opportunity for automation. So, I did just that! Foosbar is a completely autonomous foosball table that is robotically controlled on one side, with a human player on the other.
The robot is proficient in defending, passing, and shooting, effectively mechanizing the entire game. This innovation has liberated me to pursue more meaningful and fulfilling activities.
The smart foosball robot in action.
Setup Components
The project comprises three main components: software, firmware, and frontend.
- Software: Contains the primary code to control the motors.
- Frontend: Includes the 3D webapp that allows online control of the foosball table using a remote game controller.
- Firmware: Initially meant for a Teensy 4.1 mounted on the electronics connected to an e-paper display for scoreboard purposes. However, this was not fully implemented.
While these components are tailored to my setup, they can serve as a reference for anyone trying a similar project.
Building Instructions
Software
To run the software, you'll need to:
- Build uWebSockets: Run the following command inside the cloned directory.
```sh
make && sudo cp ./uSockets/uSockets.a /usr/local/lib/libusockets.a - Install Qualisys Realtime SDK: Similarly, install the required SDK to proceed.
- Build the software: Once the dependencies are in place, building becomes straightforward.
Firmware
For the firmware, it's a standard PlatformIO project. You just need to run the setup.
Frontend
For the frontend, simply run the command provided in the cloned directory.
About
Here's a brief overview of the repository:
- Software: Code for motor control
- Frontend: 3D webapp for remote control
- Firmware: Obsolete, initially for playing scores
- Documentation: Basic setup instructions and image guide
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- Automation Increases Efficiency: Automating repetitive tasks can drastically reduce time devoted to mundane activities, allowing you to focus on more impactful endeavors. Learn more in the ultimate guide to choosing the right remote working platform.
- Documentation and Modularity: Well-structured documentation and modular project components ensure that others can replicate or build upon your work with ease. Explore how to do this effectively in how to create an effective document management workflow.
- Integration of Technologies: Seamlessly integrate various technologies (uWebSockets, SDKs, etc.) to create cohesive systems, enhancing functionality and user experience.
By learning from this autonomous foosball project, startups can innovate their processes, embrace automation, and improve productivity. For a comprehensive productivity solution, consider Edworking, which connects all essential work tools in a free, AI-powered superapp.
Conclusion
Foosbar showcases the potential of robotic automation in sports, providing an exciting avenue for startups to explore innovative applications of technology. Whether it's eliminating the tedious aspects of practice or bringing new layers of efficiency to your operations, the integration of advanced software, firmware, and frontend systems can be transformative. For those seeking productivity tools that connect all essential work solutions, Edworking stands out as a powerful ally.
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For more details, see the original source.
