Mechanical STEM Automatic Ball Launcher Kit

Automatic Ball Launcher STEM Kit: Robotic Sports Engineering

(Science Small Production: Mechanical Pitching Machine)

⚾ Key Features & Learning Value:

1. Robotics & Automation:

   • Build a battery-powered ball launcher demonstrating motorized feeding systems, tension mechanisms, and programmable pitching intervals.

   • Explore automation principles used in sports training robots and industrial sorting systems.

2. Physics of Projectile Motion:

   • Adjust launch angle (20°-45°) and tension to study trajectory, range, and kinetic energy transfer.

   • Test variables: Spring tension vs. distance, Battery voltage vs. speed.

3. Sustainable Engineering:

   • Eco-wooden frame + reusable electronics teach material efficiency.

🔋 Kit Includes:

• DC Motor & Gear System

• Adjustable tension spring launcher

• Ball hopper (holds 10+ lightweight foam balls)

• Programmable timer circuit (1-5 sec intervals)

• Wooden chassis & assembly tools

• Illustration manual

🎯 Skills Developed:

✅ Automation Logic: Timing circuits, sensor-free feeding
✅ Physics Analysis: Trajectory calculations, energy efficiency
✅ Troubleshooting: Jams, misfires, power optimization

⚙️ Specifications:

• Age: 10+

• Build Time: 40–50 mins

• Launch Range: 3–8 meters

• Power: 3.7V Li-ion (USB rechargeable)

• Safety: Foam balls | Motor cutoff switch

🏀 Real-World STEM Links:

• Baseball pitching machines

• Warehouse robotic sorters

• Mars sample-return mechanisms

💡 Classroom & Home Applications:

1. Physics Labs: Graph launch angle vs. distance

2. Coding Extension: Add Arduino to randomize pitches (advanced)

3. Sports Science: Compare machine vs. human throw accuracy

Parent/Teacher Challenges:

1. Precision Test: *"Hit a 30cm target from 5m 8/10 times!"*

2. Efficiency Challenge: "Launch 20 balls without jams"

✅ Key Advantages:

• Parent-Child Bonding: Competitive target games + collaborative troubleshooting

• Cognitive Development: Iterative calibration teaches physics intuition

• Intelligent Assembly: Integrates mechanics, electronics, and programming logic

🎓 Why Educators Choose This Kit:

• Cross-Disciplinary: Combines physics, robotics, and data analysis

• Career Relevance: Robotics engineering, sports tech

• Scalable Difficulty: From basic launches to timed sequences

Includes: Pre-cut wooden pieces, electronics, foam balls