Smart Automated Cricket Bowling System Using Motor Control and Sensors

Abstract

Cricket training traditionally depends on manual bowling practice, which often lacks consistency and requires continuous human effort. To overcome these limitations, this research presents the design and implementation of a smart automated cricket bowling system that utilizes motor control techniques combined with sensor-based feedback mechanisms. The system is capable of delivering cricket balls at adjustable speeds and trajectories with improved accuracy and repeatability. A high-torque motor arrangement is used to propel the ball, while sensors are integrated to monitor ball presence, wheel rotation, and system safety conditions. A microcontroller coordinates the overall operation, enabling controlled ball release timing and speed regulation. The proposed solution provides a cost-effective and portable training platform suitable for beginners and intermediate players. Experimental evaluation demonstrates that the developed system offers reliable performance, reduced manual intervention, and consistent ball delivery compared to conventional practice methods.

Introduction

Technological innovations have transformed sports training, enabling precise and automated practice tools. In cricket, bowling machines are essential for skill development, but commercial machines are often expensive and inaccessible, while manual bowling lacks consistency. This project presents an intelligent automated cricket bowling system that delivers balls with controlled speed and direction using motor control, sensors, and embedded electronics.

System Architecture

The system integrates mechanical, electrical, and control subsystems:

1. Motor Control Mechanism

   • High-speed DC motors rotate the bowling wheels to propel the ball.

   • Velocity control is achieved through PWM signals from the microcontroller.

   • Motor drivers provide adequate current and protect circuitry.

2. Sensor Integration

   • Ball detection sensor ensures the system activates only when a ball is positioned.

   • Rotational feedback sensor monitors wheel speed for consistent delivery.

   • Safety sensors prevent operation during obstruction or overload.

3. Control Unit

   • Microcontroller processes sensor data and sends signals to motors and actuators.

   • Implements timing control for accurate and automated ball release intervals.

Working Principle

1. Ball is placed into the feeding mechanism.

2. Detection sensor signals the microcontroller.

3. Motors accelerate to the desired speed; the ball is released between the rotating wheels.

4. Feedback from sensors maintains consistent speed and trajectory.

5. Users can adjust velocity and interval timing to simulate various bowling conditions.

Hardware Components

• Microcontroller board for logic and control

• High-speed DC motors for propulsion

• Motor driver module for power amplification

• Infrared/proximity sensors for ball detection

• Power supply with voltage regulation

• Mechanical wheel assembly and frame structure

Components are selected for efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and availability.

Advantages

1. Consistent ball speed and trajectory

2. Reduced reliance on human bowlers

3. Adjustable speed for different training levels

4. Portable and economical

5. Enhanced training efficiency and repeatability

6. Improved safety via sensor monitoring

Applications

• Cricket academies and sports training centers

• Educational institutions for sports research

• Personal practice sessions for players

• Development of automated sports training equipment

Results

• Prototype testing confirmed stable motor operation and accurate ball projection.

• Sensor system ensured proper ball feeding before activation.

• Speed control allowed simulation of different bowling conditions.

• System operated reliably over repeated cycles, improving consistency and reducing physical effort compared to manual bowling.

• The integration of electronics and mechanical design produced a functional, economical, and safe training tool suitable for practical use.

Conclusion

This work presents the design and implementation of a smart automated cricket bowling system using motor control and sensors. The developed system successfully demonstrates automated ball delivery with adjustable speed and reliable operation. By combining embedded control techniques with mechanical design, the project achieves an affordable and efficient solution for cricket training applications. Future improvements may include advanced trajectory control, mobile application connectivity, and machine learning-based performance analysis.

References

[1] J. Smith, “Design of Automated Sports Training Systems,” Journal of Sports Engineering, vol. 10, no. 2, pp. 45–52, 2020. [2] R. Kumar and P. Singh, “Motor Control Techniques in Embedded Applications,” International Journal of Electronics, vol. 8, no. 1, pp. 12–18, 2019. [3] A. Brown, Embedded Systems Fundamentals, 2nd ed. New York: Tech Publications, 2018. [4] Microcontroller Datasheet Manual, Manufacturer Documentation, 2022.

Copyright

Copyright © 2026 Harshan R, Akash S. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.