I just spotted the GoPiGo3 Google Cloud Derby Kit
Pretty Cool DI!
Charlie gives this two antennae up!
On a more serious note, this sounds like an “alternate-reality” software package for Charlie, sans arm.
Question: Is the arm/servo controller assembly available separately?
Hopefully the PiWars 2020 will encourage someone to start selling their gripper. They are rounded to grab a “barrel” but would work on balls as well. The Google Cloud Kit thing appears to be able to corral a ball for forward motion, but spins with a ball and backing with a ball may present a challenge.