A simple human task that's insanely hard for a robot

Summary by Krater

The creator builds an automated robot table using a core XY gantry, vacuum system, and optical tracking camera to pick up, scan, and solve a three-by-three wooden jigsaw puzzle. After solving software challenges and hardware vibration issues, the machine successfully assembles the puzzle.

From the video

Answers: How do you build a robot that automatically solves a jigsaw puzzle?

• Jigsaw puzzle solving robot
• Core XY gantry design
• Vacuum suction cup mechanism
• Computer vision puzzle piece scanning
• Lens distortion correction
• Multiplexing lead screws
• Machine vibration mitigation

What it concludes

• A 5000-piece all-white puzzle would take about two years of 18-hour days to solve by hand.
• Tension steel cables on the table legs effectively prevent leg flexing and damp vibrations.
• A telecentric lens sees things as if they are infinitely far away, eliminating side distortion in camera views.
• Multiplexing a single motor across multiple lead screws allows a single motor to drive many outputs back and forth.