Hmm I'd like to point out a rule that may burst your bubble...
<S02> Muzzle Velocity - No ROBOT may throw a ball with an exit velocity of greater than 12 m/s (26.8 mph).
As a reference, a ball traveling at this velocity when leaving the ROBOT at an angle of 30º from
horizontal with no spin will travel approximately 35 feet. A robot that violates this rule will be
considered unsafe per <S01>.
Planning on shooting automated from your starting location may not fall within that guideline. The true center of the arena is 27 feet from the target and 13 feet from the wall. Shooting from the wall would then be a horizontal distance of approx. 30 feet. If the ball is launched at 30º with and exit velocity of 12m/s, it would peak at a horizontal distance of 17.5 feet away. Using 45º at 12m/s, it would peak at a horizontal distance of (around) 22 feet away, with a height of about 12 feet. This would give it a rough range of 44 ft horizontal. Which means it could very well be possible to get the ball through a 8.5', 30" goal with 12m/s. Of course my calculations are just using simple trajectory with no regards to drag.
Hmm. As I sought to prove that you cannot make the target from your starting position, I proved the opposite, not only can it be done, it's very possible. Well then, no bubble bursting for me.
Let the fun begin!!
With regard to the positioning of the robot, because you cant measure or anything, would it not be possible to just point it towards the center, tell it to turn Left and have the camera start searching in the general area of the light?
Simple solution no?
And forgive me for my completely inane post.