The claw has two arms that close to grab the ball.

The scoop rotates to lift the ball from under.

The suction has a large fan to pull the ball up into it.

The shovel is like the scoop but the top part moves and closes down to hold the ball.

The cage lowers down onto the ball to hold it in place until it needs to drop into the hole.

Notes:

Unrelated to assignment, I 3d printed a body and wired the RF module directly to the arduino to clean up the breadboard.

There were AT LEAST 16 attempts with various adaptations before the robot could complete the task.

The first idea was adding tape to the claw.

Then adding longer claw extensions.

Replacing extensions with a tape cone to grab ball, this worked but didn't drop the ball.

Then a wedge of cardboard so the ball would go in but not come out

Changing orientation of wedge to let ball in easier.

Having a thinner loop to let it in better against a wall.

Using loop as a spoon, worked but wouldn't drop the ball.

Cardboard fins to capture ball but this also wouldn't drop the ball.

Bending fins to just hold the ball and not carry it, finally letting the ball drop into the goal.