Electromechanical Lunar Lander

In 2016, the author built an electromechanical Lunar Lander game for the NYCResistor Interactive show. Inspired by a previous project, the game aimed to replicate the mechanics of the original arcade game, challenging players to land a craft on the moon's surface. The moon was constructed using a kickball covered in paper-mache, creating a visually appealing and challenging terrain for landing. The spaceship, controlled by a linear stepper motor and servo, featured collision sensors and a landing-gear sensor for gameplay. The control box, made from various materials, allowed players to maneuver the craft with simplicity and robustness. The project utilized surplus Makerbot parts and a standard Arduino setup for control electronics. The game logic involved navigating the craft to land safely on designated flat areas while managing velocity and gravity. The project successfully entertained partygoers and was eventually repurposed for future endeavors. The author shared the project code for those interested in creating their own electromechanical Lunar Lander game.