Via Tom Tango, students at the University of Toronto built a machine that throws a consistent knuckleball.

The students found that even the slightest change in conditions — from a small scuff on the ball to the tiniest tilt in its orientation — changed the pitch’s behaviour. “One thing we learned about knuckleballs,” said Côté, “is that they’re so sensitive to everything. That’s why it’s really, really hard to throw the same one twice.”

In the video, they note that this machine would be great for training catchers to handle a knuckleball pitcher.