User:RangeSystems/sandbox

Automated Driving Range
Automated Driving Ranges are ranges which feature automated tee machines which automatically loads balls onto the tee for the customer. An automated driving range has some level of automation in regards to the handling (transportation, cleaning, drying, storing, tracking, etc...) of range balls. Whether it is the range picker (a self driving robot equipped with a "picker' which facilitates the transfer the range balls from the ground and lift them into baskets) that drives around collecting the used range balls or a machine that tees balls for the customer. Ranges can be either Fully Automated or Semi-Automated.

Automated Driving ranges are particularly popular in Japan and Korea where golf courses are overcrowded and often very expensive. Many commercial driving ranges are seen in conjunction with other sports-related practice areas such as batting cages or miniature golf, for entertainment.

Full Automation
Full Automation starts with the ball picker which collects the range balls. Next, the range balls are placed in a ball washer to remove any debris. After cleaning the range balls they are stored in a stockbox. The stockbox holds the range balls until the system software starts the loading process. When loading an automated range, vertical elevators and horizontal conveyors move the balls to the stations that require more range balls. Each station has a dispenser which holds the balls until the tee machine needs them. When the Tee Machine requires more range balls it sends a signal to the dispenser. The dispenser, using fans to move the balls through underground tubes, then sends them to the Tee Machine. The Tee Machine loads balls on an adjustable rubber tee and lifts it above ground to the hitting surface (usually synthetic turf). The customer can adjust the height of the tee and hit at their leisure. The Tee machine senses when a ball is hit (through optical or proximity sensors) and lowers the rubber tee to load another ball and repeat the process.

Semi-Automation
Semi-Automated ranges have some degree of automation. For a range to be considered Semi-automated the customer must experience some level of automation to the end user customer. Modern technical ranges ( TopGolf, GreatShots, BigShots, etc...) combine automation with technology to track the range balls with cameras or RFID chip embedded in the ball itself.