I designed a cube that balances itself on a corner (willempennings.nl)

Article summary

The author designed and built a cube that can balance itself on a corner using reaction wheels and a control algorithm. The cube's mechanical design is based on the original Cubli, but with some improvements, and the control algorithm is an open-source implementation of a previously published design. The author plans to add mechanical brakes to the reaction wheels to enable the cube to jump up to its balancing position. The project's design, configuration, and code files are available on GitHub.

Main themes

• reaction wheels
• balancing technology
• spacecraft attitude control
• robotics
• mechanical design
• open-source hardware

What commenters say

• Some commenters appreciate the aesthetic appeal of the cube, while others focus on its technical aspects.
• There are discussions about possible cheap alternatives for motors and drivers, such as using drone or quadcopter parts.
• The use of reaction wheels in spacecraft is mentioned as a common practice, and some commenters note that nearly every satellite has reaction wheels.
• Some commenters suggest exploring other methods for balancing, such as using fluid or linear actuators, while others point out the limitations and challenges of such approaches.
• The weight and size of the flywheels are discussed, with some commenters suggesting that smaller or lighter wheels could be used, while others note that the current design is necessary for the cube's functionality.
• The comparison to other balancing systems, such as those used in robots or spacecraft, leads to discussions about the advantages and disadvantages of different approaches.
• Some commenters joke about applying the balancing technology to other objects, such as a pencil or a coin, while others provide more serious suggestions for potential applications.