Talking to computers used to be reserved for Star Trek and those with overactive imaginations. Now, it’s a regular part of daily life. [CodersCafe] decided to put this technology to work in a chess robot, with the help of Amazon’s digital assistant.
The build relies on an Cartesian motion rig, built out of Lego Technics parts. The end effector is fitted with a magnet , fitted onto the Z-axis screw for engaging and disengaging with the pieces. A Mindstorms EV3 controller is used to run the show, hooked up over Bluetooth to an Amazon Echo. This allows the user to ask Alexa to move the pieces for the white player in natural language – by saying, for example, “move from B1 to C3”.
It’s a build that demonstrates how easy it is to create projects with advanced functionality by lacing together the correct off-the-shelf hardware. Other Cartesian-type motion platforms can make great chess robots, too. Video after the break.
Now, have Alexa play against Deep Blue on that board!
Deep Blue would probably win, but could blow a gasket waiting for each piece to finish moving!
Alexa isn’t playing the game here, just moving the pieces as commanded.
Now I wanna make one with a perforated board, an air blower for the robot to move pieces with, and put flailing arms made out of ribbon or something on each piece so they’re waving them over their heads in panic every time you make a move.
Last time I played chess it ended with suicide attempt, no thanks.
“Alexa, make the little horsey guy fight that bald headed guy.”, “I’m sorry, you’re too stupid to play chess.”
Sounds like Holly playing Queeg