Over the years, the “Rubik’s Cube” has been a source of distress for many people: Thanks to the Rubik’s Cube Solver, created by three students of the HTL Saalfelden, the complex cube solves itself – fully automatic in the shortest time. The young engineers were supported with the project by the automation expert SIGMATEK.
As part of their diploma thesis at the HTBLA Saalfelden, David Haidenhofer, Markus Kreutzer and Paul Kreuzer designed a machine to solve a scrambled Rubik’s Cube. In just 385 ms, the well-known puzzle is magically solved using the most modern technology.
The students from the electrical engineering department used their collective knowledge in information-, drives- and automation technology for their final project. Using image recognition and two cameras, the Rubik’s Cube Solver first calculates the current arrangement of the colorful squares. Using this image, an algorithm determines the rotation sequence for solving the cube. This sequence is then sent to the control and drives in real time. The colorful squares are automatically put in position within times, which for human beings, is completely impossible.
The Rubik’s cube solver was implemented with state-of-the-art automation technology from SIGMATEK. A flexible control system, high-performance servo motors and LASAL software for simple programming of the machine were used. In addition to the technical components, the students could also rely on the know-how of SIGMATEK experts for tips to complete their project successfully.
“For a successful career start, a practice-based education is of great value. Therefore, it is important for SIGMATEK to support the future engineers with implementing technical projects during their studies.”
Technical Details: For the hardware, the high-performance S-DIAS system from SIGMATEK is used: A compact CPU module, as well as digital I/Os and axis modules that control the powerful DSM5 servo motors to bring the squares of the cube into the correct position in the shortest time. The object-oriented, all-in-one LASAL engineering tool enables comfortable programming.
Link to video: https://youtu.be/vghHh2i1Ye0
Thanks to the “Rubik’s Cube Solver” HTL project, the puzzle is magically solved in a few seconds.
Behind the “Rubik’s Cube Solver”, is state-of-the-art technology from the Salzburg automation expert SIGMATEK.
ABOUT SIGMATEK
SIGMATEK is counted among the leading manufacturers of complete automation systems for machine and equipment manufacturing worldwide. In the over 30-year history of the company, trend-setting automation technologies were and are developed in close coordination with customer demands. With a product spectrum that meets all requirements, from best asset cost to high-end applications, today practically any job requirement can be covered with serial products. In keeping with the company’s philosophy, long-term availability is guaranteed. The scope of delivery extends from control and I/O systems, IPCs, HMIs, Motion Control and Safety to the all-in-one engineering tool LASAL with object-oriented programming and the real-time Ethernet VARAN. New technologies are regularly tested for their applicability in the automation industry and implemented with the shortest “time-to-market” in innovative products. This guarantees a highly modern product spectrum from one source. In-house research, development and production ensure the Salzburg Company, with over 550 employees at its headquarters, a place at the forefront of automation technology. With subsidiaries in Germany, Switzerland, Great Britain, the USA, China and Korea as well as sales and service partners in the most significant international industry centers, SIGMATEK is always near the customer worldwide.
