The Robot Has the Box
Unsatisfied with Our Jobs and Livelihood, Are Robots Now Coming for Our Disc Golf?
Picture this: a sunny day, a gentle breeze, and the gratifying sound of a disc smashing chains. But what happens when you throw a robot into the mix? That's exactly what Simon Lizotte and Aren Hill, a BattleBots engineer and fellow disc golfer, set out to explore in their recent video collaboration. As someone who's spent countless hours tinkering with robots and flailing around the course at Maple Hill, I honestly couldn't help but geek out over this project…
Aren has been involved in competitive robotics for years as the captain of Seems Reasonable, a BattleBots team that won the Giant Nut trophy in season 12. He is also an avid disc golfer. So when he came up with the idea to build a disc-throwing robot, I can only imagine all of the different scenarios, layouts, elevation changes, and approaches he had to consider. The design challenges and potential outcomes of such a project are both overwhelming and immensely exciting.
Enter Simon Lizotte, a champion professional disc golf player who's known for his trick shots and infectious enthusiasm. It was clear from the beginning of the video that his expertise and curiosity would help push Ditto Flight's capabilities to new heights. Watching Simon interact with the robot in the video, I found myself thinking of the times I've played at Maple Hill. While my throws often ended up in the trees or the dreaded pond, Simon's always seem to defy physics. How would a robot perform?
One of the most compelling aspects of the Ditto Flight video was the iterative process that Aren and Simon went through to improve the robot's throws. It’s something I focus on in all of my classes with students - how to stay curious and keep trying. They experimented with different variables, made adjustments, and learned from each attempt. This commitment to continuous improvement is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of embracing a growth mindset in any endeavor.
Watching Ditto Flight in action, I started thinking about the potential applications of this technology in the world of disc golf. Could robots like Ditto Flight be used as training tools to help players perfect their technique? Will we see robotic competitors in future tournaments, challenging human players to push their skills to new levels?
The Ditto Flight video is an example of what can be achieved when curious and passionate individuals from different fields come together to innovate and explore new frontiers. It's a reminder that the keys to success can often be found in collaboration, iteration, and a willingness to take risks. As a robotics and disc golf enthusiast, I'm excited to see how projects like this will shape the future of the sport and inspire others to think outside the box.
Also, if you’re new to disc golf, this is a great documentary on what is considered the greatest shot in the history of the sport. It is known as The Holy Shot!