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Android Phone Solves Rubik's Cube In 12.5 Seconds

DeviceGuru writes "A Lego Mindstorms robotics kit controlled by an HTC Nexus One smartphone successfully untangled a Rubik's Cube puzzle in 12.5 seconds at this weeks ARM technical conference in Silicon Valley. The current 3x3x3 cube-solvers's 15-second average represents a substantial improvement over the 25-second solutions of an earlier version, which was powered by a circa-2006 Nokia N95 smartphone, thanks to a faster (1GHz) CPU, more RAM, and revamped cube-solving algorithms. ARM Engineer David Gilday, who created the robotic cube-solver, claims the current version's algorithms can handle cube complexities up to 100x100x100, assuming he build the mechanics. In terms of racing humans, Gilday says the Lego robotics kits can only manage around 1.5 moves per second, whereas human players can make between 5 and 6 moves per second, amazingly enough." Update: 11/12 03:45 GMT by T : Apologies to creator David Gilday, whose name was earlier misspelled.

8 of 76 comments (clear)

  1. so... by gEvil+(beta) · · Score: 4, Funny

    In terms of racing humans, Gilder says the Lego robotics kits can only manage around 1.5 moves per second, whereas human players can make between 5 and 6 moves per second, amazingly enough.

    So, if we could build an ARM-powered human, it could solve the Rubik's Cube in 2-3 seconds?

    --
    This guy's the limit!
    1. Re:so... by Monkeedude1212 · · Score: 4, Funny

      +1 Informative.

      I did not know that.

    2. Re:so... by MichaelKristopeit172 · · Score: 2, Funny

      how long does it take to shove up your ass?

      It depends if I do it 'corner first' or if I try to make it fit 'flat side up'. Either way I can top the 5 - 6 moves per second.

      I am PATHETIC.

    3. Re:so... by Xachariah · · Score: 2, Funny

      You failed your DC 25 Human Lore check.

  2. Now do it with... by blair1q · · Score: 4, Funny

    A 3x3x3x3 hypercube.
    A cube where all the faces are slightly different shades of yellow.
    A cube where all the faces are pictures of people's faces.
    A cube made of jello cubes.
    A cube made of Plutonium-238 .

    1. Re:Now do it with... by marsu_k · · Score: 4, Funny

      or... a time cube!

  3. Re:Total Moves Not Moves/second by Ihmhi · · Score: 2, Funny

    I can do it in about 60 seconds and I'm not very good.

    I would think anyone who can solve a Rubik's Cube in around a minute could consider themselves good.

    I seem to recall an article about Will Smith and how he was taking up speedcubing. His teacher said a good goal for the average person - the point where they "get it" - is about 2 minutes. So you're at least twice as good at something as Will Smith.

    Incidentally, have you tried rapping lately?