KUANTAN, April 13 (Bernama) -- A group of researchers from Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) has developed a sepak takraw ball launching machine known as RimauStrike, as a sports technology innovation to replace conventional training methods.
Its Sports Technology Innovation Centre (STIC) director Associate Professor Ts Dr Mohd Hasnun Arif Hassan said RimauStrike was developed to provide a more consistent, repeatable and controllable training system.
“This machine is capable of launching sepak takraw balls at adjustable speeds while producing more stable ball deliveries compared to manual methods. Conventional training can be inconsistent due to factors such as coach fatigue, varying striking force and uneven techniques,” he said in a statement today.
According to the statement, besides Mohd Hasnun, RimauStrike was developed together with researchers from the Faculty of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering Technology (FTKMA) UMPSA, Ts Idris Mat Sahat and Ts Dr Mohd Faizal Sadali.
Meanwhile, Mohd Hasnun said the research, which began in 2023, was designed to assist coaches in conducting training more systematically while enabling players to practise ‘ball feeding’ at various speeds and delivery intensities.
“From an operational perspective, RimauStrike uses a combination of an automatic ‘ball feeding’ system and a high-speed rotating wheel mechanism. Sepak takraw balls are first stored in a compartment located at the lower section of the machine,” he said.
Mohd Hasnun, who is also president of the Malaysian Sports Technology Association (MySTA), said the ‘ball feeding’ system applies a spiral concept that gradually moves the balls from the storage section to the launching area.
“This spiral mechanism ensures that balls are delivered continuously and systematically to the top section of the machine. Once the ball reaches the launching point, it passes through two high-speed rotating wheels powered by an electric motor.
“The use of this machine allows players to train in receiving serves from the tekong in a more consistent and repetitive manner, thereby helping to improve ball control skills, reflexes and overall readiness in real match situations,” he said.
He added that the Sepaktakraw Federation of Malaysia (PSM) has also provided funding support for the development of the latest RimauStrike prototype, helping to enhance the design and performance of the machine for training suitability.
“Additionally, the Pahang State Sports Council (MSP) has supported the use of this technology in the context of state athlete training, while also providing feedback on actual training requirements in the sport,” he said.
On development costs, he said a single unit of the RimauStrike machine is estimated at around RM25,000, covering raw materials, fabrication processes, prototype development and technical services involved in designing and building the machine.
“The cost takes into account design processes, testing and improvements to ensure the machine functions effectively and is suitable for athlete training. This cost has the potential to be reduced if the machine is commercialised in the future,” he said.
Meanwhile, he said the research team plans to expand RimauStrike’s capabilities by adding new features such as directional control of ball launches, variations in speed and spin, mobile app-based controls as well as integration with athlete training data analysis systems.
Apart from RimauStrike, the team has also developed several other innovations in sepak takraw sports technology, such as the Spike Trainer to enhance spiking techniques and ProB, a specialised bandana designed to reduce the risk of head injuries from heading the ball.
“We hope that local sports technology innovations such as RimauStrike can be utilised by sports institutions, schools, universities and sports associations to improve the quality of sepak takraw training,” he said.
-- BERNAMA
