Rubik's 360
Encyclopedia
Rubik's 360 is a 3-D
mechanical puzzle
released in 2009 by Ernő Rubik
, the inventor of the Rubik's Cube
. The Rubik's 360 debuted on February 5, 2009 at the Nuremberg International Toy Fair
ahead of its worldwide release in August.
The puzzle involves changing the position of six balls, each a different color, in a central sphere to six color coded compartments in the outer sphere. It has three spheres in total. This is done by maneuvering them through a middle sphere that only has two holes. There are three spheres that make up the puzzle. The puzzle begins with all 6 balls in the center, solving the puzzle involves getting the balls into the outer sphere. Unlike the original Rubik's Cube, there seem to be no algorithms and, in general, less mathematics
associated with this puzzle. In addition there is a factor of manual dexterity involved in the solution that was unnecessary with the original cube.
Like the Rubik's Cube
, the Rubik's 360 has only one solution, but it cannot be solved by breaking apart. It is considered suitable for all ages and according to first reviews it is very addictive and engaging.
The unofficial world record for solving this puzzle at a competition is 37.02 seconds, a record held by Martin Smith of the UK.
Three-dimensional space
Three-dimensional space is a geometric 3-parameters model of the physical universe in which we live. These three dimensions are commonly called length, width, and depth , although any three directions can be chosen, provided that they do not lie in the same plane.In physics and mathematics, a...
mechanical puzzle
Mechanical puzzle
A mechanical puzzle is a puzzle presented as a set of mechanically interlinked pieces.- History :The oldest known mechanical puzzle comes from Greece and appeared in the 3rd century BC....
released in 2009 by Ernő Rubik
Erno Rubik
Ernő Rubik is a Hungarian inventor, architect and professor of architecture. He is best known for the invention of mechanical puzzles including Rubik's Cube , Rubik's Magic, Rubik's Magic: Master Edition, Rubik's Snake and Rubik's 360....
, the inventor of the Rubik's Cube
Rubik's Cube
Rubik's Cube is a 3-D mechanical puzzle invented in 1974 by Hungarian sculptor and professor of architecture Ernő Rubik.Originally called the "Magic Cube", the puzzle was licensed by Rubik to be sold by Ideal Toy Corp. in 1980 and won the German Game of the Year special award for Best Puzzle that...
. The Rubik's 360 debuted on February 5, 2009 at the Nuremberg International Toy Fair
Nuremberg International Toy Fair
Spielwarenmesse International Toy Fair Nürnberg is the largest international trade fair for toys and games. Only trade visitors associated with the toy business, journalists and invited guests are admitted...
ahead of its worldwide release in August.
The puzzle involves changing the position of six balls, each a different color, in a central sphere to six color coded compartments in the outer sphere. It has three spheres in total. This is done by maneuvering them through a middle sphere that only has two holes. There are three spheres that make up the puzzle. The puzzle begins with all 6 balls in the center, solving the puzzle involves getting the balls into the outer sphere. Unlike the original Rubik's Cube, there seem to be no algorithms and, in general, less mathematics
Mathematics
Mathematics is the study of quantity, space, structure, and change. Mathematicians seek out patterns and formulate new conjectures. Mathematicians resolve the truth or falsity of conjectures by mathematical proofs, which are arguments sufficient to convince other mathematicians of their validity...
associated with this puzzle. In addition there is a factor of manual dexterity involved in the solution that was unnecessary with the original cube.
Like the Rubik's Cube
Rubik's Cube
Rubik's Cube is a 3-D mechanical puzzle invented in 1974 by Hungarian sculptor and professor of architecture Ernő Rubik.Originally called the "Magic Cube", the puzzle was licensed by Rubik to be sold by Ideal Toy Corp. in 1980 and won the German Game of the Year special award for Best Puzzle that...
, the Rubik's 360 has only one solution, but it cannot be solved by breaking apart. It is considered suitable for all ages and according to first reviews it is very addictive and engaging.
The unofficial world record for solving this puzzle at a competition is 37.02 seconds, a record held by Martin Smith of the UK.
External links
- Rubik's official website
- Creator Ernő Rubik introduces the Rubik's 360 Exclusive interview with TIMETime (magazine)Time is an American news magazine. A European edition is published from London. Time Europe covers the Middle East, Africa and, since 2003, Latin America. An Asian edition is based in Hong Kong...
- Rubik's 360 News and Discussions
- Official UK website for the Rubik's 360