DinkLink Smart Paddle
Year
2026
Client
DinkLink
My Role
A smart pickleball paddle and mobile app gaming system that networks players in distance.
© DinkLink Smart Paddle
Challenge
Building DinkLink required combining physical hardware with a connected digital experience. The main challenge was designing paddles that could accurately detect impact location, hit strength, and motion while fitting the sensors, wiring, microcontroller, multiplexer, and IMU into a compact form. At the same time, the app had to receive and display the data clearly, requiring careful coordination between hardware construction, component placement, and backend integration.
Design
The DinkLink provides games that you can play against friends real-time remotely with a wall. The final solution is a pair of sensor-enabled pickleball paddles integrated with a companion app.
Each paddle uses piezo sensors to detect impacts, an IMU to capture motion, and a compact microcontroller system to process and transmit the data. Together, the physical paddles and connected app turn gameplay into measurable feedback, creating a functional prototype of a smarter, networked sports experience.
Bladeight Razor
Theia Mobility