Smart Airsoft Shooting Target
Reactive targets with multiple game modes
Having worked at an airsoft field, attended game days and even been a member of my University’s Airsoft and Paintball society I have always found the target systems sold for home practice to be expensive, cheaply made or unreactive to the point of not being very engaging at all.
About the project
For over 4 years now I have been working on my own system, based around a grid of 8 motorized and vibration sensing targets that could be easily programmed into a variety of modes due to the ESP32 at the heart of the system. The latest prototype (ABOVE) uses 4 targets within a catch box to help reduce ricochets and mess from near misses.
I constructed the initial prototype back in 2022, and now in 2026 I have returned to the project once again. I will be overhauling the construction and the mechanisms within to ensure a fun and robust target that can compete with the other options on the market at the time, but I cannot do this alone!
I will greatly appreciate feedback from the community on each prototype made from now, ideas of realistic prices and most importantly which features people ACTUALLY want.
Project links
What’s planned
So far I am planning:
Game modes
- Classic: Shoot one target at a time, a random other target then pops up
- Knockdown: Shoot one target at a time until all are down, all then reset
- Timer: Shoot as many targets as possible within a time limit
- Duel: Dueling tree, shooting the top right target of the first player causes the top right target for the second player to pop up
- Race: Players compete to set the fastest time to knock down all 4 targets.
- Calibration: Set “up” and “down” angles for each motor to ensure targets are in the correct position during play
Design changes
A Redesigned Exterior
A plywood box, canvas frame or another suitable option.
Solid targets to replace the paper
Replacing the targets is time the user cannot spend using the system!
Simplified electronics
A custom PCB or wiring harness would make assembly at scale much more possible
In the future
…and in the future (avoiding feature creep!):
- Laser shooting support (no clean up needed)
- Airgun Safe Version
- Mobile App Control
- Score saving and tracking
… but I can worry about all of that AFTER I get the first version working!
More videos
Frequently asked questions
What is the Max1makes Smart Target?
The Max1makes Smart Target is an electronic target system for airsoft, gel ball and foam dart blasters. It has four self-resetting, hit-detecting targets inside a portable canvas box, with six game modes for training at home.
How does the Smart Target detect hits?
Each target has a piezo sensor that detects when – and which – target is hit, and you can see scores and times between hits on your phone or laptop.
Do the targets reset themselves?
Yes. Servo motors reset each target automatically, so you never have to stop and pick them up.
What game modes does it have?
Six: Classic (one random target at a time), Knockdown (all four up, resetting once all are hit), Duel (two players race to hit a target on their half first), Timer (hit as many random targets as you can in the set time), Race (fastest to knock down all four) and Calibration (set each target’s up and down angles).
Can I use it with gel blasters and foam dart (Nerf) blasters?
Yes. The Smart Target is designed for airsoft, gel ball and foam dart blasters.
What power can it take – is it safe for my airsoft gun?
The recommended maximum is 1.5 joules. That’s above typical UK skirmish rifles and pistols, which most sites limit to around 1.14 J (350 fps with 0.20 g BBs), and suits gel and foam dart blasters too. Many DMRs and bolt-action sniper rifles run above 1.5 J, so don’t use those with the Smart Target.
Does it stop BBs making a mess or bouncing back?
It’s designed to. The target faces are angled to send BBs down into the ground, and the canvas “BB trap” housing and inner netting backstop catch hits and near misses.
Can I use it indoors or in the garden?
It’s built for the garden with airsoft, but don’t leave it outside or let it get wet – store it somewhere dry indoors. Indoors, use it with foam darts or gel balls only.
How is it powered – can it run from a power bank?
It’s powered by USB-C, so it runs from a standard 5V wall plug or a portable power bank, as long as the power bank is strong enough. There’s also a tripod mounting point for easy setup.
Do I need an app – how do I control it?
No. Switch it on and it starts in standard mode, ready to shoot. To choose other game modes, calibrate the targets and see scores and times, connect to it from your phone or laptop.
Can two people play against each other?
Yes. In Duel mode players compete to react fastest to targets on their own half, and in Race mode they compete for the fastest time to knock down all four.
How much will it cost, and when can I buy one?
The Smart Target will be £149.99, with launch expected in early 2027. Join the waitlist to hear first when it’s available.
How do I join the waitlist – what do I get?
Sign up with your email on the product page. Waitlist members are first to hear about the launch, get early access to buy before general release, and get a launch discount.
Is it a good gift for an airsoft player?
Yes – it’s a way to practise at home between game days, with game modes the whole family can play. It won’t be available before Christmas 2026, but joining the waitlist secures early access and a launch discount when it arrives in early 2027.
Stay updated
To keep updated on how it comes along get subscribed to Max1makes channel on YouTube, and if you wish to be the first to know when units are available for purchase join the mailing list on the store page