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I've been working on a robotic pool cue for some time now. My goal has been to combine computers and robots and humans to make me superhuman at pool. I was explaining the idea  to a friend and he said that is cool, but what would be really cool would be to use system to play a game of pool over the internet. Now if you're like me you're not sure how this makes sense. Here's the rough idea: 

1. Write an application that shares a top down view of the pool table over the internet2. An opponent on their web browser directs the cue and selects the shot power3. The projection system on my pool table tells me where to hold the cue4. The robot executes the shot on command from the user (FIRE!)5. When its my turn I take my shot with a normal cue like a noob (or alternatively I use the automated computer vision system to crush my opponent).

This sounds like a really fun application of the robot cue so I am starting to build it now. What I need is opponents. If you are interested and have ~30 minutes to play a virtual game of pool against me, fill out the linked form. I probably wont have time to play with everyone so I will be selecting randomly from the applications. Also, this will be a v1 system so I can't guarantee that it will work flawlessly. In fact, given my track record, I can almost guarantee that it wont perfectly. In any case it should be fun :)

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SMH Internet Pool Sign Up

I'm connecting my robot pool cue to the internet. Through the power of technology someone should be able to play a physical game of pool against me through a web browser. I'm looking for opponents.

Comments

Clark is downloading a car

Neat stuff! Now you need to find a way to make the cue replicate shots that other people make on a _real_ pool table so you can skip right over a digital twin and into real-digital-real triplets, lol.

Ethan Rappaport

This is awesome and I can’t wait to see it in action

CuthbertAllgood

I'll let someone else have my slot, but definitely set up a way to have spectators. In fact, maybe set up a YouTube livestream. I'd bet you get a ton of people watching (and perhaps a lot of new Patreon supporters who want the chance for some future online challenge).

Rino Kaufmann

If it wasn't for the huge time difference between our continents, I'd give it a try :D But I'm thrilled to see what's coming...

CuthbertAllgood

By the way, on the subject of the pool system in general, how much strategy are you implementing? I don't know how good you are at pool, but good strategy is not just about making good shots. The key to pool strategy is thinking ahead and setting up your next shots. You might also think about other games as well besides the standard "eight ball". Nine ball in particular often needs fancy shotmaking to win, which is where the robot could excel. Lots of great future refinement potential in this project (and more videos).

billybobfrog

Thank you everytimezone.com for helping out here :) Time math is fun*

TheBozzCL

I accidentally used my real name for the form, so I applied again with my username... I assumed Google Forms would overwrite the previous answer, but I don't think it did. There should be plenty of people so I don't think it would give me a big advantage, but I'm letting you know in case you want to sanitize the form.

Raj B

This does sound brilliant. Am wondering how you are managing the strength of the shot, look forward to seeing!