Jul 28 2008 LEGO Mindstorms Set Solves Rubik's Cube

Tilted Twister is a robot built from a Lego Mindstorms NXT set that can solve a Rubik's cube.

Tilted Twister solves Rubik's cube fully automatically. Just place the scrambled cube on Tilted Twister's turntable. An ultrasonic sensor detects its presence and starts to read the colors of the cube faces using a light sensor. The robot turns and tilts the cube in order to read all the faces of the cube. It then calculates a solution and executes the moves by turning, tilting and twisting the cube.

Performance

* Scanning the cube: 1 minute
* Calculating a solution: 20 - 40 seconds
* Executing the moves: 1 - 5 minutes. Average 4.5 minutes (60 faceturns)
* Average total time: 6 minutes

Not bad. Granted it's not as impressive as the time I solved this cube in under an hour using only my red-hot poker, but it's not bad for a LEGO robot. That reminds me, have I ever told you about the Rubik's Cube show I saw in Tijuana? Scarring.

Hit the jump to see a video of the little guy in action.

Continue Reading " LEGO Mindstorms Set Solves Rubik's Cube "

Oct 17 2007 Flip Mr. P's Nose Sized Unit To Turn Him On

Mr. P is a special lamp. You have to flip his penis to turn him on. When you do his head lights up in embarrassment -- because his dangle-down in so small! He costs $110, and comes with a removable shade in case you want to spare him the shame. Truthfully, I don't think he is ashamed. Look at his stance -- does that look like the posture of someone who is embarrassed with their dong? I think not! Oh wait, he's frowning. That poor small penised bastard. He should be ashamed.

The Mr P. Lamp makes you laugh when you turn it (him) on [shinyshiny]