Robotics Monday: Sudoku Solver

Name of Model: SudokuKiller

Created by: frummels

Found at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ReRSCSrtr58

Details: A webcam. A LEGO robot. A Sudoku-solving algorithm. That's really all I know is here - I'm still trying to figure out the details as to how the programming works. The NXT-to-Power Functions construction techniques in the robot are something I've mentioned on here a few times recently, but in terms of raw programming might, this 'bot is a bit more advanced than some of the others I've featured. I, for one, can't wait to hear more about how this was done - what programming language, what webcam, what algorithm, etc were used.

Oops - looks like something went wrong with the scheduled post publishing today - believe it or not, this post was ready last night...

Robotics Monday: NXT Rubik's Cube Solver

Name of Model: Lego Rubik Utopy: NXT Rubik's cube solver

Created by: Daniele Benedettelli

Found at: http://daniele.benedettelli.com/LRU.htm

Details: I know I have previously featured a Rubik's Cube Solver, but this one improves on that idea quite a bit. The design of this robot is much simpler, much trendier (note the all-studless LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT base) and much more efficient at scanning and solving a Rubik's Cube. There was no cheating used here, either. This is just a beautiful design and a well-thought out algorithm. The write-up offered here is quite thorough and well-worth a read, so I'll just leave this post at that and let you read about it firsthand.