Rube Goldberg machines
At some time or other, we all project ourselves in the future. We plan, we prepare, we expect and we anticipate. It is part of human nature. Sadly, that process is often associated with stress. We think about our next meeting, our next exam or whatever else. Fortunately, it doesn‘t have to be. In fact, we can even leverage great joy from setting things up. Think about domino montages and the satisfaction we get when they are triggered so everything comes tumbling down. Seems fun to you? Well, Rube Goldberg machines could interest you. Rube Goldberg machines are, in a word, the logical extrapolation of dominos. Intricate contraptions that are made to be overly complex… and fun. Part of their charm (and the challenge) is that those machines are made to complete simple and mundane tasks. The goal of a Rube Goldberg machine is then to complete a task in the most convoluted way possible. Uselessness as an art. The appeal of such machines lies in their creativity, problem-solving, and satisfaction in seeing a plan reach its expected conclusion. Today, I want to explain some things you should know to build your own Rube Goldberg machine and some inspiration you could leverage in your build. Let‘s dive in!
Get your tools out!
First things first, no specific element is required in a Rube Goldberg machine. On the contrary, the more unorthodox, the better. Thinking outside the box is the name of the game. Yet, some recurring themes are inevitable. All Rube Goldberg machines are, in a way, an exercise in physics principles. Gravity is obviously important (what makes you domino fall?) But don‘t limit yourself to it. Temperature, wind and pressure for example can all be used quite easily. In general, you might want to integrate what are called the six simple machines into your montage. Those are the basic elements of physical interactions, including inclined planes, levers, wedges, wheels (and axle), pulleys and screws. More specifically, you could use almost ANYTHING but here is a short list of classics to get you started:
- Ropes: Connect things you want to fall together for example.
- Balls: Perfect to transfer momentum from one place to another
- Dominos: A classic.
- Cups: Sure, they can catch things (including liquids), but they can also be used to transfer horizontal momentum into vertical momentum.
- Post-its: An easy way to create pseudo-interuptors.
- Pencils: Might be a bridge or a connection. VERY useful with ropes.
- Balloons: Adds a bit of spice (and sound) to your montage. Can also be used to create vehicles.
Thinking a bit more outside the box, use whatever is at hand. For most of you, I would expect that to include electronic devices (like hair dryers and water kettles) or common household items (like portraits, books, boxes, etc.)
Get inspired!
Here are a few sources of inspiration that I have used in the past and that could be great teachers for your Rube Goldberg journey!
Some video games incorporate Rube Goldberg variants. That would include the classic computer game “The Incredible Machine“ - itself a Rude Goldberg simulator in some way. I have spent countless hours on the puzzles it offers and picked up many ideas from it. The more recent Bad Piggies (from the creators of Angry Birds) is also a surprisingly fruitful source of inspiration for me. Besides, the game is great even if it's constrained to phones (and delisted I think). Finally, the ever-popular Minecraft also has an active Rude Goldberg community. Obviously, the tools they use are virtual. Might still give you some prompts. Otherwise, why not join in yourself if you like the game?
YouTube has plenty of Rude Goldberg machines to showcase. Here are two famous examples:
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qybUFnY7Y8w
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOMIBdM6N7Q
Just remember that your machine should have the scale you desire. Not all Rube Goldberg machines have to be that complicated.
Going back to the origins of Rude Goldberg machines is also a good idea. How to do that? Well, go out and read Rude Goldberg comics! Funny, ludicrous, intricate and original. Rude Goldberg‘s imagination truly knew no bounds. While most of his contraptions are fantastical in nature, you can still learn some tricks from him. His use of animals in his machines in particular could be an interesting avenue. Feel free to take a look at the Rude Goldberg Institute's official website too! https://www.rubegoldberg.org/experience-rube/
That will be all for today. I hope you will give a chance to contraption-building. It might be the new passion you need to go forward in life! In any case, thank you as always and see you next week.