HUUPE mini
Category
Consumer electronicsIoT products
SERVICES
Industrial design
Mechanical design
Electrical engineering
Proof of Concept
Prototyping
2024
THE CHALLENGE
The HUUPE Smart Basketball Hoop, the world’s first of its kind, has made an outstanding impact at the intersection of sports and technology. Its innovative design and multifunctional capabilities have transformed the basketball experience, allowing players to engage with a life-size hoop in outdoor settings or spacious gymnasiums. But is it possible to make it more accessible and portable while keeping its advanced technology?
The Opportunity
HUUPE, in collaboration with AJProTech, developed an affordable, camera-free tracking device to meet the growing demand for smart sports tech that respects user privacy. Designed to fit any dorm room setup, the device easily mounts on a standard door — no complex installation required. This solution accurately tracks shots, ball movement, and player activity without using any cameras, making it ideal for personal spaces where privacy matters. It’s a compact, low-cost innovation built for athletes who want powerful insights without compromise.
THE SOLUTION
The key challenge — accurately tracking positions without cameras — was implemented using radar technology. After extensive testing, the HUUPE and AJProTech teams successfully developed a solution that tracks two players, their movements, the ball, and whether shots were hits or misses – all without the need for cameras!
We’ve kept all the familiar basketball features and modes, modernized the design of the highly durable panel, making it resistant to normal ball impacts and easy to fit in a small space.
With HUUPE mini, the ball is on your side:
Precise Tracking: The Radar Module accurately tracks the ball’s position in real time.
Easy Installation: Mounts easily on doors or walls with special brackets.
Fun Gameplay: Tracks shots and scores points for solo play, friend competitions, and daily challenges.
Versatile Placement: Set it up in your room, home gym, or office for quick games anytime.
Durable Frame: Reinforced aluminum construction withstands impacts, drops, and slam dunks from both kids and adults.
Our approach
At AJProTech, we engineer hardware solutions that bridge innovation and manufacturability. For this project, we delivered:
- Custom ball-impact sensors developed from first principles
- Durable mechanical systems engineered for real-world use
- Functional prototypes fabricated and tested in-house
Like all AJProTech projects, we validate concepts through physical iteration rather than theoretical perfection. Our team designed, built, and refined many prototypes to achieve reliable performance under actual playing conditions – because the best designs emerge from the workshop, not just CAD software.
Industrial design
While most door-mounted basketball trainers on the market offer basic functionality with simple shot sensors and minimal displays, Hoop Mini represents a significant leap forward. At its core is a vibrant full-color display, sized for optimal visibility during play, paired with a versatile mounting system that adapts to any door or wall surface.
Our engineering team developed a streamlined, integrated design that combines advanced shot-detection sensors, high-quality audio components, and the bright display into a single cohesive unit optimized for manufacturing efficiency. The entire package requires no tools for installation — players simply attach the mounts and can immediately begin training, with the system providing real-time visual and auditory feedback to enhance practice sessions.
mechanical design
One of the key features of the HUUPE Mini is its compact 24-inch panel, which makes it easy to install in small spaces. The display is constructed with layers of glass, plastic, and foil, ensuring durability against intense impacts while keeping it cost-effective. This design also protects the electronic components without affecting their functionality. Additionally, the “soft” mesh material won’t sag, tear, or get damaged during training sessions.
It is possible to install HUUPE mini above any standard-sized door by means of door hooks, which must be screwed to the back of the panel. Special fasteners and a brief manual with instructions are included with the product. It is also possible to mount the basketball hoop on the wall like a TV. Separate VESA mounts attached to the back of the HUUPE mini are available for sale to secure this in the desired location.
Proof of concept
During the proof-of-concept phase, we used a standard LCD panel with a protective frame and glass to evaluate durability under high-impact conditions. This setup allowed us to test the system’s ability to withstand tough shots while simultaneously experimenting with different radar modules, antenna positions, and IR sensors. Once we identified the optimal component configuration and placement, we advanced to the prototyping stage to begin hardware integration and performance validation.
Prototyping
The HUUPE Mini prototype brings together advanced electronics, audio systems, and digital technology — all without using cameras. Instead, it relies on high-precision sensors to deliver a seamless, privacy-focused experience. To accelerate development and keep costs low, we leveraged off-the-shelf components from top-tier suppliers, ensuring system-wide compatibility and robust performance from day one.
We kicked off the development process using an evaluation board for early-stage testing and rapid prototyping. Insights from this phase guided the design of a custom PCBA, which was integrated into prototype units for full-feature validation.
To enable shot and player tracking without optical systems, we implemented cutting-edge radar technology. The radar detects player position and shot range — under 5 feet, 5–10 feet, and beyond 10 feet — assigning score values of 1, 2, or 3 points accordingly. This sensor-based interaction delivers accurate, real-time feedback while eliminating the need for complex visual setups.
Impact
AJProTech supported HUUPE in the early stages of development by providing core engineering and prototyping expertise, helping define the product’s technical direction and delivering functional prototypes along with all necessary technical assets — laying the groundwork for the HUUPE team to complete detailed engineering and DFM, and successfully transition the HUUPE Mini into full-scale manufacturing.
- Showcased at CES 2025, the world’s leading trade show, the device gained attention as a cutting-edge sports tech innovation.
- After its launch, 10,000 units were sold within a short period, highlighting not only strong customer interest but also the product’s rapid adoption in the market.
- The Huupe mini has been featured in various media outlets, including FITT Insider, Mashable, and TechCrunch, indicating significant interest and recognition in the tech and sports communities.
Image Source: https://huupe.com/products/huupe-mini
Image Source: https://huupe.com/products/huupe-mini
