{"id":216022,"date":"2026-05-04T11:49:25","date_gmt":"2026-05-04T15:49:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hajim.rochester.edu\/senior-design-day\/?p=216022"},"modified":"2026-05-04T11:49:25","modified_gmt":"2026-05-04T15:49:25","slug":"baseball-bat-contour-analysis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hajim.rochester.edu\/senior-design-day\/baseball-bat-contour-analysis\/","title":{"rendered":"Baseball Bat Contour Analysis"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Team Members<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Melanie Landis<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Natalie Shank<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Jack Todd<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Samuel Zeltman<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Sponsor<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

JJ Ruby – Senior Director, Research and Development, Houston Astros<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adam Brodie – Assistant Director of Research, Houston Astros<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This project was about designing a portable device that can measure the contour of a baseball bat precisely to understand the connection between on-field performance and different curvature profiles. Right now, baseball organizations have limited information on the specific contour details of bats. We built a portable, non-damaging system that measures the contour of all acceptable MLB bat sizes.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Initial testing has been completed, and the results indicate that the data does not yet fall within the specified parameters outlined in the project requirements. The team is currently working to improve both data processing methods and the mechanical performance of the system. Vibrations generated by the servo motor while rotating the lead screw are negatively affecting the accuracy of data collection, so solutions to reduce vibration are actively being developed and tested.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Problem Statement<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recent innovations in baseball bat design have introduced increasingly complex and performance-driven curvature profiles, redefining how athletes optimize swing dynamics and contact precision. To fully unlock the performance potential of these designs, rapid and highly accurate curvature modeling is essential for advanced analysis, iteration, and data-driven decision making. However, many existing measurement solutions are costly, time-intensive, or lack portability, limiting their practical use in dynamic team environments. This lack of data causes teams to be at a disadvantage compared to their opponents when it comes to deciding the best curvature for their players. The Houston Astros seek to pioneer a fast, portable, and precise method for capturing and recording the 2D contour of a baseball bat\u2019s length and cup, enabling real-time insights and streamlined evaluation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Requirements<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n