How college students built the fastest Rubik’s Cube-solving robot yet

A team of Purdue University students recently set a new Guinness World Record with their custom robot that solved a Rubik’s Cube in just 0.103 seconds. This was about a third of the time it took the previous record-holding bot. The students achieved this by using a combination of high-speed but low-res camera systems, a cube customized for improved strength, and a special solving technique popular among human speed cubers. The robot, known as Purdubik’s Cube, utilized optimized components like industrial motors and a custom image detection system to reduce the solving time. The team also employed a technique called corner cutting, which allows for overlapping movements to save time. The cube itself was upgraded with a custom 3D-printed version made from stronger SLS nylon plastic and tensioned tightly to improve control and reduce over-turning. The students believe that using materials like carbon fiber could further reduce the solving time in the future.