334 Term Project Proposal
Teng Lin
teng.lin.1@stonybrook.edu

Title:
“Robot Ping-Pong Coach”

Synopsis:
Global tech company Omron, best known for its healthcare products like thermometers and blood pressure monitors. But this time they are taking a different approach with the table tennis robot that uses artificial intelligence.

The ping-pong robot named Forpheus uses multiple sensors and cameras to track a player’s ability and technique. It also keeps rallies going and shows players where the ball will land when returned, to help them better predict the next move. Then it sends instructions and encouragement via a panel screen that runs across the table.

The main purpose of this robot is to help players practice their techniques and become better.

Objective:
By using video and animation to illustrate the robot in action. Audio will provide the sound effects of the ping-pong ball in a rally. A 3D model of Forpheus will be built, and a human model as well, being its opponent.

Audience:
It’s anticipated that the audience for this project would be ping-pong lovers and undergraduate/graduate students interested in artificial intelligence.

Sources:
“I played ping-pong with an AI-powered robot and now I want to be its friend”
https://www.theverge.com/2017/10/9/16448488/table-tennis-playing-robot-ai-forpheus-omron

“OMRON’s redesigned ping pong robot no longer holds back”
https://www.engadget.com/2019/01/16/omron-forpheus-fifth-generation-table-tennis-robot-ces/