Teen Inventor Creates Lego Robot to Solve Rubik's Cube, Highlighting Creativity at Belfast's Digital Hub

Ruarcc, a student at St Malachy's College in north Belfast has created a Lego robot capable of solving a Rubik's cube. 

The 13-year-old schoolboy began working on prototypes for his puzzle-solving robot at the age of 12, during his second year at school. This achievement was made possible after the school introduced its creative digital technology hub (CDTH) last year.

Clare McGrath, a teacher at the college, initially doubted whether Ruarcc's robot would actually work. "I didn't believe it would work at first," she admitted.

Speaking to BBC News NI, Ruarcc shared how challenging the project was, describing it as "frustrating" at times, but he kept improving the design. "People tend to be amazed that it can solve one," he said. "Now that it's working, it's really rewarding, and it feels great." Ruarcc, who envisions a future career in the IT industry as a software engineer, explained that his robot uses 5,000 lines of Python code and color sensors to solve the cube from any pre-set configuration.

The creation of the digital technology hub at St Malachy's also marked the introduction of a new Key Stage Three curriculum, which includes programming Lego robots like Ruarcc’s, using block-based coding. Clare McGrath, the college’s senior leader for creative skills, reflected on the students' freedom to innovate. "A few of the boys were given the chance to take kits home with them; I said, build what you want... impress me," she recalled. "He showed me it working; there's 5,000 lines of Python code. No matter how you mix up the Rubik's cube, the robot solves it. It’s very impressive. Creativity is an amazing skill, and we need to provide opportunities in schools to foster that."

The new hub was the brainchild of school principal Paul McBride, who envisioned transforming an old lecture theatre into a cutting-edge technology space. His idea was supported by the Belfast Charitable Society and the James Kane Foundation. The hub is now accessible to students and staff from various schools across north Belfast, helping them develop their digital skills. "We have 10 or 11 post-primary schools from north Belfast coming here, and we want them all to use it," said Mr. McBride. "By the end of our third year, we’ll have 6,000 students and over 100 staff using the facilities. It's a real leveller."