Rubik’s Cube Solver Made From Popsicle Sticks

Popsicle sticks are great for simple arts and crafts – and of course for holding frozen treats – but what about using them as the mechanical components of a Rubik’s cube solver? This may sound like an impossible, or at least very difficult proposition, but as shown in the video below, that’s exactly how creator Tinkerdoodle DIY’s solver is made.

The setup uses a hobby servo motor to rotate a turntable that spins the four-square cube into position. Another servo, with the help of a linkage system, tips the cube forward, selecting the correct face for manipulation. By extending this same tipping linkage a smaller amount, this can hold the cube's top in place while the bottom spins, changing the color arrangement.

The cube is visually scanned, and solved by a smartphone, which uses a clever technique found here to control the servos. A small breadboard routes wires as needed, and more information on how this setup works is found in the video description.

While the bulk of the mechanical parts are popsicle sticks, the design also uses a number of metal brackets to provide bracing, and what appear to be bolts hold the linkages together. It’s quite quite a clever build, showing that you don’t need advanced equipment to make something awesome!