Creative Ways to Combine Rubik’s Cube and LEGO
While LEGO™ and the Rubik's Cube are unrelated in terms of product type and function, both have become cultural icons in the world of toys and entertainment. They each have their own dedicated fan bases and have stood the test of time as enduring and beloved toys.
Combining LEGO and Rubik's Cube can be a creative and fun project, allowing you to merge two iconic colored plastic toys into a unique creation.
Join us on a journey where colored bricks and twisting cubes converge, offering endless opportunities for innovation, expression, and joy.
LEGO Pieces for Stickers
Using removable 2x2 LEGO tiles for Rubik's Cube stickers offers numerous advantages. Firstly, it enables customization, as LEGO bricks come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, allowing users to create unique designs, extensions or patterns on their puzzle without the need for adhesive or specialized tools. Additionally, LEGO pieces provide enhanced durability compared to traditional stickers, ensuring that the cube maintains its appearance over time, even with frequent use.
Removable tiles can help beginners to practice the solution of the cube, allowing them to reset the puzzle to the solved state by simply rearranging the "stickers".
A Rubik's Cube Made Out of LEGO Pieces
There were many attempts to create a fully functional Rubik's Cube out of LEGO pieces but these structures are usually unstable and they fall apart easily.
There was a LEGO ideas submission by puzzLEGO1 attempting to make this an official set you can buy in stores. the project has reached the necessary 10.000 votes to be considered as an official set but it was finally rejected. Z3Cubing has a detailed video review presenting these builds.
Two revisions of the build are still available on Rebrickable with free instructions and parts list. You can purchase the required pieces through Rebrickable, or through LEGO-compatible third-party store, like WeBrick.
LEGO Rubik's Cube Solver Robot
Rubik's Cube solving LEGO robots showcase the marriage of these iconic childhood pastimes. Enthusiasts and engineers alike have ingeniously designed robots constructed entirely from LEGO bricks and powered by intricate programming to autonomously solve the Rubik's Cube. These robots employ a combination of sensors, motors, and clever algorithms to scan the colors of the scrambled cube and execute a series of precise movements, achieving the solved state.
Launched in 1998 and discontinuted in 2022, Mindstorms empowered enthusiasts to develop robotics projects through a versatile combination of LEGO bricks, sensors, and programmable bricks. Developed using the LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 set, the Tilted Twister robot operates independently without requiring a computer connection. Utilizing the LEGO Mindstorms color sensor for color detection, the Tilted Twister 2.0 incorporates support for Herbert Kociemba's Two-Phase Algorithm, enabling quicker solves.
You can build this project if you have a discontinued Mindstorms set, the parts list, building instructions and required files being available for free.
Another similar project is Mindcub3r, made with Mindstorms EV3 and NXT. Developed by David Gilday, MindCub3r seamlessly integrates LEGO Technic elements with Mindstorms components. It showcases technical prowess but also offers a level of versatility, as it can be programmed to solve the cube in various ways.
Mindcuber 999 - the 9x9x9 solver LEGO robot
Shape Mods
Making a Rubik's Cube shape mod is another way to combine these two toys. You can make any iconic LEGO set or piece into a shape mod by sculpting and 3D printing around the core of the Rubik's Cube.
The example on the attached images was made by the author of this article. It is a custom-built 3D printed Emmet head from The Lego Movie, placed on the torso of the Up-Scaled LEGO Minifigure (set #40649).
Watch the video of how it was made on Youtube.
LEGO Rubik's Cube Pixel Art Mosaic
Pixel arts can be built using both LEGO bricks and Rubik's Cubes. There are LEGO sets available to make these art installations. Building a large-scale mosaic art installation can be a great display piece in your home.
Useful tip💡
Use our pixel art generator to convert any image to detailed step by step instructions to create mosaics.
LEGO Rubik's Cube Holder/Stand:
Build a puzzle box using LEGO bricks that houses a Rubik's Cube or a structure that serves as a holder or stand for your puzzles.
Remember, the possibilities are virtually limitless when it comes to combining LEGO and Rubik's Cube. Let your creativity run wild, and feel free to experiment with different ideas and designs. Whether you're a LEGO enthusiast, a Rubik's Cube solver, or both, merging these two iconic toys can result in a unique and personalized creation.
Don't forget to leave a comment if you have a unique creation or just an idea.
Author: Denes Ferenc
I'm, an old-time enthusiast with a deep love for both LEGO and Rubik's Cube.
From crafting a LEGO Emmet-head Rubik's Cube shape mod with a 3D pen to taking on more ambitious projects like my university thesis, where I made a fully functional LEGO Rubik's Cube solver robot [video below] that was capable to scan the colors of the scrambled cube, calculate the solution then execute the necessary steps to unjumble the puzzle without being connected to a computer. This was among the first Rubik Robots, in 2007 and marked the beginning of my cubing journey which lead to the creation of the Ruwix website in 2012.
Initially an academic task, which evolved into a journey of resilience and creativity, leading to the creation of Ruwix. I still enjoy combining my two 'nerdy' hobbies, finding continued fascination and inspiration in seeing others do the same in various creative ways.
