We need your help now
Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.
You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.
If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.
Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
By continuing, you are indicating that you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
SHOULD YOU NEED to practice your air hockey skills, but can’t find anyone to play with, you’re in luck.
A programmer has used parts from a standard 3D printer and created an air hockey table with a robot opponent.
The printer can move and return pucks with enough speed and precision to present a challenge to anyone who wishes to play against it.
Inspired by his daughter’s love of air hockey, Jose Julio used parts from a RepRap 3D printer, a PS3 EYE camera and a DIY air hockey table to develop a machine that can hold its own in a game.
But just how good is it? Julio writes on his blog:
What is the current robot skill? Well, now the robot could easily beat a child. An adult with some experience… can still win the robot, but I am sure that with some more small improvements it is going to be really hard to beat (sic).
Julio published the code for the robot on GitHub and a build manual for anyone who wants to reproduce their own version and improve upon it. He also mentions other ideas to progress it such as adjusting the difficulty level of the robot, or pitting two robots against each other in a game.
(Video: Jose Julio/YouTube)
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Well that’s amazing!
What does the b mean in the headline pic. J= journal d= daily edge b= ?
I’d say you’re still entertained by someone jingling their keys ye?
Business
everything is called hacking these days. He repurposed a 3D printer.
Hacked me boll1x.
When I read the title I thought he did it remotely from his parents bedroom.
:-)
Yes I was expected a story about some unsuspecting professional printing out some plastic PDF getting hit in the face with a hockey puck, done remotely by some 11 year old hacker
Not a professional programmer who uses printing parts to make something ,
Booo
Fair play to him
The title of this story is very misleading
have your say