AI-Based Robot Calibration

The client was in the process of developing a smart table tennis robot that can be controlled by a mobile app. The app can be used by players to configure or choose from a list of pre-programmed drills. The robot plays the drills and programs as per user configuration; however, performance reduces over time due to aspects such as wear and tear of machine parts. Additionally, faulty installation, errors in table dimensions, and alignment changes caused during shipping impacts accuracy.

QBurst was tasked with improving firmware performance. The project would focus on enhancements to the calibration mechanism of robots leading to improved gameplay and user satisfaction. The client wanted the calibration mechanism to be easy to use and repeatable.

• Robust calibration mechanism that uses data science
• Comprehensive calibration for table tennis related shots
• Use of computer vision and AI to derive machine characteristics
• Mechanism to manage calibration drift that occurs due to prolonged use

• Improved performance on key parameters such as trajectory control, frequency, and spin
• Significant improvement in training effectiveness
• Increased user engagement in lesson plans
• Increased user satisfaction and onboarding into the learning platform

QBurst worked on a two-pronged approach ‒ improve accuracy of robots at the production site and calibrate the robots once it reaches end-users.

At the production site, the robots are tested to identify deviations in preset outputs such as turning angle, motor speed, and rate of ball play. The input variables are fine-tuned to achieve the desired values within the defined tolerance limits of the robot. The fine-tuned values are stored in the backend and used when the robot is in the field with the users. This is achieved via the mobile app that controls the robot.

Once the robot reaches the users, it can be calibrated by an easy-to-use mobile application that manages multiple combinations of ball play. The calibration also includes options for fine adjustments, a feature that can be used to correct deviations that may occur due to prolonged use.

• Computer Vision and AI
• Custom iPhone camera application for data collection and processing
• Python
• iOS
• Android