This work is a video installation showing the Block Machine that performs top-level volleyball blockers. In order to achieve the highest operating speed and mechanical strength, each robot has five degrees of freedom. This robot performs high-speed movement on a 9 m rail that is arranged in parallel with the volleyball net. The Block Machine is controlled by graphical user interface on the tablet computer, enabling the coach to change the parameters such as the robots’ positions and operation timing.
The Block Machine was actually used by the Japanese women’s volleyball team for the Games of Rio de Janeiro Olympiad.
Credits:
Hiroo Iwata – Block Machine
Kosuke Sato (University of Tsukuba)
Hiroaki Yano (University of Tsukuba)
Keita Watanabe (Japan Volleyball Association)
Shuichi Mizuno (Japan Volleyball Association)
Masayoshi Manabe (Japan Volleyball Association)
