The Raspberry Pi gaming setup has become a timeless combination. Most people think of gaming emulation and digital games on the Raspberry Pi, but makers like Tamerlan have taken it a step further by creating interactive games in the real world to enhance the experience.
Using this popular single-board computer, Tamerlan developed an automated chessboard that can move pieces automatically on the board. This chessboard features multiple game modes, allowing you to play against the computer or connect to the internet to compete against other real players remotely, simulating their moves for you. The movement of the pieces is achieved through magnets installed under an XY stepper motor system.
The role of the Raspberry Pi is not just to move pieces; it also needs to handle the positions of the pieces and calculate the best path from one point to another. Different pieces have different weights, which affects the movement process. If not handled properly, pieces may fall and fail to reach the designated square on the board correctly.
Tamerlan generously shared many details of the construction process, including the iterations of the current version and the challenges faced during development.
Currently, this system uses stepper motors to operate an XY grid, which consists of 3D printed components and a series of rails to ensure stability. The piece’s gripper is an electromagnet, but Tamerlan plans to replace it with a different mechanism in the future.
Tamerlan is also responsible for writing the software, which is not just about the rules of chess. The software also needs to handle the positions of the pieces and the best movement paths. For example, you may need to move other pieces first before moving the one you want.
Tamerlan found that he could use half-step operations to move pieces between other pieces. When asked how pieces capture others, he confirmed that pieces are simply knocked down and need to be picked up manually. However, this may be improved in future versions.