You might remember last year we featured the CubeStormer, a Rubik’s Cube solver that was built from Lego and became the World’s Fastest Lego Mindstorms RCX Speedcubing Robot. Well, the team is back and has now created a new design using a Samsung Galaxy S II smartphone to process the calculations and has now halved the record set by the original CubeStormer. Watch the video after the jump to see it in action.
The Evolution of CubeStormer II
The next-generation Lego CubeStormer II has been built by Mike Dobson and David Gilday, and is capable of solving Rubik’s Cube at amazingly fast speeds. It has been constructed using four Lego Mindstorms NXT kits and a Samsung Galaxy S II smartphone as its “brain.” This innovative combination of hardware and software allows the CubeStormer II to perform complex calculations and execute precise movements to solve the Rubik’s Cube in record time.
The original CubeStormer was already a marvel of engineering, but the CubeStormer II takes it to a whole new level. By integrating the processing power of the Samsung Galaxy S II, the CubeStormer II can analyze the cube’s configuration and determine the optimal solution much faster than its predecessor. The smartphone’s dual-core processor and advanced algorithms play a crucial role in this enhanced performance.
Technical Specifications and Performance
The CubeStormer II’s construction is a testament to the versatility and power of Lego Mindstorms NXT kits. Each of the four kits contributes to the robot’s ability to manipulate the Rubik’s Cube with precision. The NXT kits include motors, sensors, and programmable bricks that work in harmony to achieve the desired outcome. The Samsung Galaxy S II, with its high-resolution camera, captures the cube’s initial state and sends the data to the processing unit.
One of the most impressive aspects of the CubeStormer II is its speed. The robot can solve a standard 3×3 Rubik’s Cube in just a few seconds, significantly faster than the original CubeStormer. This remarkable achievement is due to the seamless integration of hardware and software, as well as the innovative design by Dobson and Gilday.
The CubeStormer II’s performance has garnered attention from tech enthusiasts and puzzle solvers alike. Its ability to solve the Rubik’s Cube with such speed and accuracy demonstrates the potential of combining consumer electronics with robotics. The project also highlights the educational value of Lego Mindstorms kits, inspiring young engineers to explore the possibilities of robotics and programming.
In addition to its technical prowess, the CubeStormer II serves as a platform for further research and development in the field of robotics. By pushing the boundaries of what is possible with readily available components, Dobson and Gilday have opened the door to new innovations and applications. The CubeStormer II is not just a toy; it is a glimpse into the future of robotics and artificial intelligence.
Source: Engadget
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
