Back to Projects
    In Progress
    Mechanical EngineeringPrototypingDesign for Manufacturing (DFM)Vendor SourcingProduction Line Setup
    Client: Alex Voloshin
    Ball Boy Rob 1Ball Boy Rob 2

    Ball Boy Rob

    An automated tennis ball server - delivering balls on demand so players never break their rhythm.

    Product Overview

    Ball Boy Rob is a tennis ball serving machine designed to solve a simple but persistent problem: players shouldn't have to chase loose balls before every serve. The machine throws a single ball to each player on demand, using backspin for a controlled, catchable bounce.

    The product launches balls up to 13.7 m with a 120° panning range, covering both sides of the court from a single position at the net. It holds 20 balls in two transparent tube hoppers that double as ball collectors.

    Industrial design was created by Studio Groove. ATI was responsible for transforming the concept from prototype stage into a production-ready product - including mechanical engineering, prototyping, DFM, vendor sourcing, and production line setup.

    ATI Scope of Work

    Mechanical Engineering
    Prototyping
    Design for Manufacturing (DFM)
    Vendor Sourcing
    Production Line Setup

    Product Gallery

    Ball Boy Rob image 1
    Ball Boy Rob image 2

    Statement of Work

    View SOW Document (PDF)

    Key Features

    Precision Launch

    Launches balls up to 13.7 m with backspin for a controlled vertical bounce under 1 m.

    120° Panning

    Motorised pan covers both sides of the court from a single net-post position.

    Battery Powered

    Rechargeable battery for cordless court-side operation - no mains required.

    DFM Optimised

    Injection-moulded housing, sheet-metal frame, and off-the-shelf motors for cost-efficient production.

    Foldable Transport

    Compact folding design with integrated wheels for easy one-person transport and storage.

    Field Serviceable

    Modular sub-assemblies (launcher, feeder, hopper) for quick maintenance and part replacement.

    Specifications

    Product TypeAutomated tennis ball server
    ClientAlex Voloshin
    Industrial DesignStudio Groove
    Launch Range13.7 m
    Pan Angle120°
    Ball Capacity20 balls (2 × 10 tube hoppers)
    Transport Dimensions492 × 755 × 1480 mm
    ATI ScopePrototyping, DFM, production
    ← Back to all projects