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As if we needed further proof that robot powered by artificial intelligence (AI) are going to eventually be our new overlords, one just set a new Guinness world record when it solved a Rubik’s Cube in 0.305 seconds.
The AI-powered Mitsubishi Electric Corporation robot smashed the old Guinness world record for the fastest robot to solve a puzzle cube (0.38 seconds) by 0.075 seconds.
The Japanese robot, called TOKUFASTbot (TOKUI Fast Accurate Synchronized Motion Testing Robot), was equipped with high-speed, high-precision factory automation (FA) equipment and control technology.
“The TOKUI Fast Accurate Synchronized motion Testing Robot (TOKUFASTbot) named by its engineer can perform a 90° rotation time of 0.009 second thanks to its rotation mechanism, which is built with Mitsubishi Electric’s compact, high-power, signal-responsive servomotors and a color-recognition algorithm developed with proprietary AI technology,” Mitsubishi Electric Corporation stated in a press release.
“In addition, the servomotors, programmable controller, industrial PC, touch panel display and cameras are all designed to achieve high-speed signal connection and inter-device control.”
The previous Guinness World Record of 0.38 seconds had been set by a MIT robot in 2018. The record for a human solving a Rubik’s Cube was set in 2023 by Max Park in an astonishing 3.134 seconds.
In the video of the record-breaking Rubik’s Cube attempt, the TOKUFASTbot actually claimed to have solved the puzzle in a blink-and-you’ll miss it 0.204 seconds, but the measurement rules are different now from when the world record was set so 0.305 seconds is now the official number to beat.
“Since establishing our Component Production Engineering Center in 2016, we have been developing and manufacturing high-tech motors, power semiconductors and related products,” said Yuji Yoshimura, Senior General Manager, Component Production Engineering Center, Mitsubishi Electric.
“To demonstrate our technical capabilities in achieving high-speed, high-precision windings, which are key to increasing the productivity and efficiency of motors used in many of our products, our young engineers voluntarily worked to set the world record, resulting in a Guinness world records title, which has motivated our engineers to further develop their technical skills.”