Working Lego Turing Machine
The LEGO IDEAS project features a mechanical Turing machine model with 2900 parts, promoting hands-on engagement with programming concepts while addressing intellectual property concerns related to its theoretical framework.
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The LEGO IDEAS project features a working Turing machine designed by a user known as The Bananaman. A Turing machine is a theoretical model of computation that consists of an infinitely long tape, a head that reads and writes symbols, and a set of states and instructions that dictate its operations. This model has 4 symbols and 8 states, allowing for 32 combinations, and can theoretically execute a vast number of programs. The LEGO model is complex, comprising approximately 2900 parts, which is close to the maximum limit of 3000 parts set by LEGO IDEAS. It operates without an electric motor, relying instead on a mechanical design that connects all functions to a single input. The project emphasizes the educational value of the Turing machine, allowing users to engage with its mechanics and create their own programs. Concerns about intellectual property are addressed, as the Turing machine is a mathematical concept without associated rights. The model's size and complexity are noted as potential drawbacks, but its interactive nature and representation of a significant theoretical model are highlighted as advantages.
- The LEGO Turing machine model consists of 2900 parts and operates mechanically.
- It allows users to engage with programming concepts through a hands-on approach.
- The model is based on a theoretical framework with no intellectual property issues.
- It is designed to fit within LEGO IDEAS' part limit while maintaining functionality.
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14 commentsEDIT1:
"Won't there be a problem with Intellectual Property? No, the Turing machine is a mathematical model and has no Intellectual Property :)"
I love this kind of comment.
In older models, there used to be the occasional "flying" section that was built exclusively out of axles, beams and linkages, but the main support structures were still mostly made out of "traditional" Lego bricks (albeit with holes in them).
With recent models, they seem to have made the "flying" style the norm and the standard bricks the exception.
I wonder if this is some indication of Technic becoming its own thing independent of Lego.
(I only noticed the design changes, I have no idea if there are some company politics behind it - but if there is more information I'd be interested to know)
https://brickset.com/article/113876/lego-ideas-maximum-part-...
https://rebrickable.com/blog/685/classic-review-technic-idea...
Alas, I did not have enough gear racks to program it.
Thanks to bricklink I eventually got my revenge when I got my own kids.
In general a fantastic book.
(Joke)
This is awesome!
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