Build Your Own Rubik’s Cube-Solving Bot

If you’ve been alive for any of the last 40 years, you’ve probably tried your hand at solving a Rubik’s Cube at least once. The dastardly devices draw you in with their bold primary colors and simple-sounding concept. But, how long did you try to solve it before throwing it away in disgust, and going back to something comparatively easy, like rocket science? If you’re anything like us, it didn’t take long.

However, as impossible as it seems when you’re just turning the blocks pretty much at random, Rubik’s Cubes can actually be solved very quickly and easily. That’s because there is a mathematical method to solving them, if you understand it and follow the steps properly. Entrants in Rubik’s Cube speed-solving competitions use these steps to complete the puzzle in just a matter of seconds.

If a task can be completed following predefined steps, as in the case of the Rubik’s Cube, then a robot can be programmed to do it. Wouldn’t it be amazing to have a robot that can easily complete a real, physical task that you, yourself, cannot? That is the true allure of robotics in general, isn’t it — when our creations are more capable than we are?

Designing a robot to solve a Rubik’s Cube is still a difficult and time consuming task though. Luckily the good people at OTVINTA have a design, 3D-printable parts, and detailed instructions ready to go to build your own bot. The total cost of the hardware and electronics will run you roughly $225, and if you want to use OTVINTA’s software you’ll need to pay for it after 30 days. But, the bot looks robust, well-designed, and can do what most of can’t: solve a Rubik’s Cube in a jiffy!