Recently, three students from the University of California, Davis, created a self-propelling robotic ball using 3D printing. This unique robot is designed to follow people by detecting signals from electronic devices attached to their ankles or wrists. The team named it "Naughty Ball" because it behaves like a playful puppy, chasing its owner around the house.
The main goal of the project was to develop a smart, autonomous robot ball that doesn’t require a handheld remote control. The team found traditional controllers inconvenient and restrictive, as they limited user movement. Instead, they aimed to create a more intuitive and interactive experience.
To replace the remote, the students used infrared tracking and indoor positioning systems. These technologies allow the ball to sense the user’s location and navigate through the environment. Inside the ball, a mechanical system adjusts the center of gravity, enabling the robot to move closer or move away from the user as needed.
The team explored two different approaches for tracking the user. One involved using an infrared sensor from a Wii remote to detect an emitter on the user's wrist or ankle. The other solution used a Bluetooth module for indoor positioning. Ultimately, they settled on a combination of both methods to ensure accuracy and reliability.
The ball moves smoothly using an internal gyroscope, without requiring external force. It can change direction on its own, making it highly responsive and easy to control intuitively.
The development team consisted of Hengjiu Kang, Yi Lu, and Yunan Song. Their design features a two-wheel balancing robot enclosed in a transparent plastic ball. A built-in battery powers the ballast and stepper motor, while 3D-printed plastic wheels help maintain balance and control the movement of the ball.
Most of the electronic components are located in the upper part of the ball. The team also integrated a BeagleBone Black board with a WiFi adapter, motor drivers, and a 3D-printed bracket to mount thermal imaging cameras inside the sphere. These cameras track the user’s movements using an infrared ankle bracelet.
The team described each ball as having its own personality. Some versions avoid the user, while others seek out human interaction. As one of the developers explained, “Some balls will ‘lick’ your legs—just like a pet dog—but others roll away when you get close.â€
In addition to following users, the Naughty Ball can interact with them. When it comes into contact with a person, it changes color and makes sounds to express its “mood,†adding a fun and engaging element to the experience.
The project was completed with a budget under $200. The team spent $40 on tools, $50 on a hardware controller, $40 on 3D printer parts and mechanical components, and $60 on motors and sensors. Despite the low cost, the result is a highly functional and creative robotic ball that demonstrates the potential of DIY robotics and 3D printing technology.
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