Robots are better than humans at everything, including solving Rubik's Cubes

I’ve never been a fan of Rubik's Cubes or puzzle games in general. Life is difficult enough. Why would I want to waste my free time solving inconsequential puzzles? Besides, if I really want to experience completing a Rubik's Cube, then I can just watch someone on YouTube do it better and faster than I ever could. But I fear the days of being amazed by human problem solving are long gone. Our robotic brethren are now able to solve these puzzles in an astonishing, blink-and-you’ll-miss it amount of time. 

Laura Davis, the editor in chief of New Equipment Digest, recently reported on the TOKUI Fast Accurate Synchronized Motion Testing Robot, or TOKUFASTbot, which has received a Guinness World Record for being the fastest to complete a Rubik's Cube.

Below is an excerpt from her blog post:

Awarded on May 21, 2024, the previous record of 0.38 seconds was beaten by TOKUFASTbot's time of 0.305 seconds. That's only 0.075 seconds faster. The team worked to set the world record as a demonstration of the technical capabilities of high-tech motors, power semiconductors, and related products developed and manufactured by its Component Production Engineering Center. Established in 2016, this center produces technologies that achieve high-speed and high-precision windings that increase the productivity and efficiency of motors used in many of the products.

Read the entire blog post

Want to learn more about Rubik's Cubes? Watch three examples of how to make your own puzzle cube using various materials.

The Lighter Side of Manufacturing

 Created by the editors of Plant Services and New Equipment Digest, The Lighter Side of Manufacturing is a feel-good blog that showcases how advances in science, math, engineering, and technology are making our world more whimsical. Here’s another post that is guaranteed to brighten your day.

DIY robot can mimic and replicate your actions in just 40 hours
Researchers have engineered a robot that, once shown a desired movement, will mimic and learn how to perform the action itself. It’s equal parts ingenious and creepy.