A robot in Japan has set a new world record for solving a Rubik’s Cube in an astonishing 0.305 seconds, according to Guinness World Records. This achievement by the Mitsubishi Electric machine surpasses the previous record by 0.075 seconds.
The robot’s speed is over ten times faster than the quickest human solver. Last June, Korean-American Max Park set the human record at a Rubik’s Cube event in California, completing the 3x3x3 puzzle in just 3.13 seconds, significantly faster than any other human competitor.
The robot’s remarkable time of 0.305 seconds is comparable to the blink of an eye, showcasing the rapid advancements in robotics. In 2009, the record for a robot solving a Rubik’s Cube was over one minute.
Mitsubishi Electric credited their success to “compact, high-power, signal-responsive servomotors” which enabled the robot to rotate the cube 90 degrees in just 0.009 seconds. The main challenge in setting an even faster time is the cube’s physical limitations, as early attempts were hindered by the puzzle jamming and breaking due to the robot’s speed and force.
Mitsubishi engineer Tokui, who led the record attempt, described the process as both challenging and enjoyable. Senior manager Yuji Yoshimura emphasized that the record reflects the company’s technical prowess in developing high-speed, high-precision motors, which are essential for enhancing productivity and efficiency.
Since its creation by Hungarian professor Erno Rubik in 1974, the Rubik’s Cube has sold over half a billion units worldwide and remains a popular and iconic puzzle game. One of the most common Google searches in recent years has been ‘How to solve a Rubik’s Cube’.
