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Rubik's cube solving machine

The igus parts enable fast detection for a Rubik's cube solving machine

In the 7th semester of the Mechatronics/Automation degree course at the Gütersloh Campus of Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences, various mechatronic projects were implemented as part of the "Mechatronic Systems" module under the supervision of Prof. Dr.-Ing. Thomas Freund. The team consisting of Tom Töws, Matthias Risse, Jan Ewerszumrode and Laurids Wetzel took on the task of improving and optimising the existing project of a Rubik's cube solving machine developed by the previous year's class to such an extent that the machine can be used reliably at trade shows and information days.

Profile

What was needed: Lead screw modules for clamping the cube
Requirements: High reliability for use at trade shows
Industry: Mechanical engineering
Success for the customer: The Rubik's cube can ideally be solved at a speed of 15 moves per second. The underlying solution algorithm requires between 10 and 35 moves. In the best case, the Rubik's cube can therefore be solved in less than a second and can thus compete with professional solutions.

The team for the production of the Rubik's cube solving machine

The team consists of Tom Töws, Matthias Risse, Jan Ewerszumrode and Laurids Wetzel

Product used

drylin® SHT-12 linear module

drylin® SHT-12 linear module

To the drylin® SHT-12 linear module

Configure lead screw axis

Are you still looking for the right linear module? With the online configurator for drive technology, after entering your requirements, you will receive linear drives with lead screw, toothed belt or rack and pinion drive, which you can configure according to your needs.

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Problem

The main problems of the existing project were the detection of the cube status via image processing, the control of stepper motors to rotate the sides of the cube and a complex manual clamping of the cube. The shortcomings could largely be attributed to a limited budget that the FH could allocate per project. After extensive analysis of the existing machine and the experience gained, the team decided on a complete relaunch of the project. The components needed for a high-quality implementation had to be provided by sponsors due to the budget.

After an intensive conceptualisation and design phase, the team was able to gain igus GmbH as a sponsor for linear guides.

Solution

After a three-month implementation phase, the team was able to bring the project to a conclusion on schedule, in parallel with the preparation of their undergraduate theses on their own responsibility.
The drylin® lead screw modules now ensure lubrication-free and also jolt-free clamping of the cube from four sides.

On the one hand, the machine meets the requirements of high reliability for use at trade shows, but at the same time it has a high-quality and robust industrial design. The magic cube can ideally be solved at a speed of 15 moves per second. The underlying solution algorithm requires between 10 and 35 moves. In the best case, the Rubik's cube can therefore be solved in less than a second and can thus compete with professional solutions.

Impressions

The finished Rubik's cube machine

The finished Rubik's cube machine

The finished Rubik's cube machine

The finished Rubik's cube machine from the front

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