Optimization of a Delta Ping Pong Robot with an Innovative Approach to Workspace Design

The game of ping pong, often considered a recreational pastime, plays a unique and vital role in the realm of robotics and human-robot interaction. It goes beyond mere entertainment, serving as a dynamic testing ground for developing and refining robotic systems capable of responding to human actions with precision, skill, and competitiveness. This article delves into the optimization of a Delta Parallel Robot for ping pong, focusing on the structural dimensions of the robot. The primary objectives of this optimization process are to create an ideal working space and increase the robot’s success rate in responding to human shots. We introduce a novel approach by redesigning the robot workspace. Achieving a comprehensive and optimal robot workspace involves initially defining the player’s (human) workspace and evaluating all possible shots taken by the player. Ultimately, utilizing a creative scoring criterion, the ideal robot workspace is determined to respond to the majority of balls. The significance of this work extends beyond the ping pong table, paving the way for a new era of human-robot collaboration in domains such as automation, manufacturing, and healthcare, where robots are integral to daily life. Through meticulous adjustments to the robot’s dimensions and a strategic selection of workspace, the optimized robot demonstrates an exceptional capacity to respond to player shots, achieving high success rates. This breakthrough not only elevates the competitiveness of the robot as a ping pong opponent but also promises to enhance human-robot interactions in numerous real-world applications.