22-year-old Bristol student Matthew Pidden came the closest of any competitor, and you can read how he got the most amazing achievement of all. He programmed his robot to solve the four-by-four Rubik’s cube, or “Rubik’s Revenge”, in as little as 45.305 seconds. This remarkable feat breaks the former world record of 1 minute and 18 seconds. It’s an incredible testament to Pidden’s technical wizardry and his thirst for riddles.
Péter Sebestény created the four by four sided Rubik’s cube in 1981. Today, the Chinese jigsaw puzzle—that name was assigned by the British—remains an enduring favorite among puzzlers. Pidden dedicated 15 weeks to developing his robot, aptly named “Revenger,” as part of his bachelor’s degree final project in computer science.
Revenger uses two webcams to scan the cube, so it can create a digital model of the cube’s positions and colors. This data is then fed through with an entirely in-house developed solving algorithm that has specifically been created to produce fast, best-in-class solutions for the puzzle. The robot features a specially designed gripper that expertly twists and turns the cube’s faces. This intricate design facilitates quick, intentional, accurate movements to complete every possible pedal puzzle.
Pidden’s long fascination with Rubik’s cubes began in elementary school. He expressed his motivation for this project, stating, “I was into Rubik’s cubes as a kid. For my final project, I wanted to do something I was actually excited about.” His longstanding passion for these conundrums was the most potent driver of his ambition. It pushed him to probe their mathematical depths.
“Mathematically, they’re really interesting,” he added, highlighting the appeal of solving such complex problems through innovative technology.
Its success represents an important milestone in robotics and in the emerging field of competitive puzzle solving. The powerful combination of advanced technology and Pidden’s commitment is a great example of how academic projects can result in truly innovative achievements. Besides breaking a world record, Pidden has been at the forefront of robotics. Inspiring a New Generation of Planners His accomplishment sets an example for others in the field to aspire towards.
