Puck Pal: Automated Hockey Puck Return

Course objective: design and build a complete mechatronics system around the MSP430 microcontroller in one month, start to finish.

• Integrate with a standard hockey net to collect shot pucks automatically using a custom ramp structure.
• Return pucks to the shooter using image recognition allowing a player to maximize solo training time.

• Modeled the full mechanical system in Onshape, sizing the ramp, platform, and drivetrain components before cutting any material.
• Manufactured the puck-collection ramp from standard lumber using common hand tools — drill, jigsaw, circular saw.
• Designed a gear-driven rotating platform powered by a NEMA 23 stepper motor for targeted puck return.
• Built a dual-flywheel launch system driven by high-RPM DC motors to propel the puck back toward the player.
• 3D-printed custom gears, bushings, and a bearing race where off-the-shelf parts didn't fit the design.
• Collaborated with a classmate on vision and firmware — OpenCV for image recognition, C firmware on the MSP430 to drive stepper rotation.

• Developed a novel integrated system in one month — a hockey net that automatically returns pucks to the shooter.
• Lets players train efficiently alone, without needing a rebounder or a second person to feed pucks.
• Achieved targeted puck return at 10+ km/h with under 5° of variance at 10 metres.