Dealing with artificial intelligence (AI) we were curious how to let computers learn to solve Pocket cubes and Rubik's cube. But isn't it much more fun to demonstrate the results by machines that mechanically solve physical cubes?

This is what we did so far:

1. A student team has build a high-performance machine for Rubik's cube based on lots of hardware and a provided algorithm. The movements to solve a scrambeled cube takes well below 1 s.

2. A Master thesis developed AI models and software to solve Pocket cubes. I took the task to develop a mechanical demonstrator - being this "thing" you are currently looking at.

In contrast to the big machine for Runik's cube, I wanted to design a low-cost device, which is easy to rebuild and use for anyone interested:

• Based mainly on 3D-printed parts
• Uses 2 standard servos as motors, only
• Control by Laptop and connected Arduino
• Easy to use Python software interface

We are proud that the device is working very well, including camera scans of a cube's colors and AI models to solve cubes. Please find the link to a GitHub repository with documentation, source codes, and such below.

Additionally required parts (servo linear actuator):

• https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5722550
• Housing parts 1 and 2 (55 mm)
• Slider bottom fin
• Arm type 1 (50 mm)

Required servos:

• 180° standard servo (we use MG996R)
• 270° servo (we use Muizei MS24)

Further resources:

• GitHub: https://github.com/MarcOnTheMoon/cubes
• Helpful mounting tool: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5822224

Enjoy! :-)