The LEGO difference engine

by Ryan Block, posted Feb 8th 2006 at 10:45AM

Lego logic gates be damned, we're stepping up to the Babbage big time now, and the Lego difference engine's where we're at. Andrew Carol's design computes 2nd or 3rd order polynomials to 3 or 4 digits, no small feat for a system built of simple blocks that he's been working at on and off for years. Ah, what a time we live in -- next thing you know they'll be making up balderdash like Lego horseless carriages!

[Via del.icio.us]

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

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Tom @ Feb 8th 2006 11:00AM

This has to be made into a set for anyone to order at the Build Your Own Sets - http://shop.lego.com/department.asp?d=37&t=5

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TheBlunderbuss @ Feb 8th 2006 11:35AM

I came across that a few days ago, when I was looking for a Lego project idea.

Is someone at engadget taking the same class as I?

Neutral

Darren Squashic @ Feb 8th 2006 1:33PM

"Lego horseless carriages "

That's funny because I saw a Lego Volvo XC90 at the Phili Auto show the other day. Check it out!
http://noafe.com/x/IMG_2326.jpg
http://noafe.com/x/IMG_2331.jpg

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Andrew Carol @ Feb 8th 2006 5:42PM

The photo you showed is the back of the engine. There is also a photo of the front which highlights the digits with red boxes.

I also want to clarify that the engine today does 2nd order differences to 3 digits. It is expandable (and I am working on it) to do 3rd order differences to 4 digits.

My next "big" project will be a mini Analytic Engine. A full up programable device made from LEGO. Two or three 2 digit registers and an ALU. Lots to think about first....

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hobgoblin @ Feb 8th 2006 6:45PM

some people have way to much time on their hands :P

nice work tho. reminds me of the news i read over on slashdot about someone building logic gates in lego.

hmm, i realy need to get my hands on a mindstorm kit, maybe that new 2.0 version :D

Neutral

eric @ Feb 8th 2006 9:04PM

I am seriously confused, what does it do?

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Chris @ Feb 8th 2006 9:51PM

Andrew, that is very impressive. It's a work of mechanical art. Did you have to use any glue or any non-lego parts? From reading your website, it appears not.

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Andrew Carol @ Feb 8th 2006 10:02PM

reply to (5)

With the exception of the paper digit lables tapped on to the output wheels, the entire machine is made from stock LEGO. It's not glued. It uses the technic pins to hold it together. It's easy to pick up and move.

Neutral

Evan Koblentz @ Feb 9th 2006 12:32AM

The Lego version looks great, but check out these Meccano projects: http://www.meccano.us/

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ikkedus @ Feb 9th 2006 6:10AM

#7 Duh, that's pretty some machine :)

http://www.meccano.us/difference_engines/rde_2/DE2_VCF8_1.jpg

http://www.meccano.us/analytical_engine/barrel_1_small.jpg

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