Abstract: Systems and methods herein provide for grasping an object. In one embodiment, a gripping system includes a magnet module (204), an elastic bladder (208) affixed to the magnet module (204), and a magnetorheological (MR) fluid contained within the elastic bladder. The system also includes a controller operable to vary a magnetic field of the magnet module (204). The magnet module (204) directs the magnetic field to the MR fluid in the elastic bladder (208) to rigidize the elastic bladder (208) about the object to grip the object with the elastic bladder (208).

Abstract: A ball pitching device comprises a ball capture cavity bearing a lip member positioned to capture and stabilize a single ball at that level. An initial ramp extends downward and rearward away from the ball capture cavity, and connects to a final ramp which extends further downward but in the opposite (forward) longitudinal direction. The final ramp terminates in an upwardly-curved launch ramp extending towards the batter in the front of the apparatus, so that the launch ramp is generally beneath the ball capture cavity. The entire apparatus is supported by an adjustable-height stand, and may include a ball magazine for containing a plurality of balls.