The most inventive Rube Goldberg machines
What is a Rube Goldberg machine?
The name "Rube Goldberg" comes from the American cartoonist Reuben "Rube" L. Goldberg. He drew comic strips about a professor who built unnecessarily complicated machines.
A Rube Goldberg machine performs the simplest actions in the most complicated and amusing way, with many different reaction steps. Everyday objects are combined in unexpected contexts. The path is the goal - the longer and more complex, the better. Yet these elaborate and extravagant devices always serve a purpose, from hammering a nail into a piece of wood to sharpening a pencil to flipping a light switch.
What do you need to build a Rube Goldberg machine?
Everyday objects such as kitchen utensils, pens, bottles, or books are used to trigger the individual mechanical steps. Artists also like to incorporate children's toys such as marble tracks, balls, toy cars, and more, which are then attached in one way or another. There are no limits to creativity - each device is unique. Want to build a Rube Goldberg machine? You can find the right components on 3Dfindit.
What are the most ingenious Rube Goldberg machines?
Building a Rube Goldberg machine inspires people all over the world. There are always competitions where inventors can let their creativity run wild. Curious records are also set, such as the world's largest Rube Goldberg machine or even the slowest. Determining the most imaginative machines is therefore almost impossible. However, we have listed a few particularly amusing examples for you:
- The Page Turner by Joseph Herscher: This machine is one of countless inventions by the artist. Turning a newspaper page by hand while eating breakfast? Too easy for Herscher. An imaginative interplay of various reactions ultimately triggers the process. Objects such as marbles, books, glasses and even a live hamster are involved. In addition to this machine, The Cake Server by Joseph Herscher is also a masterpiece of ingenuity. As the name suggests, cake is served on a plate at the end, but countless steps must be taken before this happens.
- Largest Rube Goldberg Machine: This new record was set in 2021 by three Chinese inventors.
- "This Too Shall Pass" by OK Go: This American rock band is known for their creative music videos. In their video for the song "This Too Shall Pass," the band uses a giant Rube Goldberg machine that spans two floors.
- "The Athlete Machine" by Red Bull: Eleven athletes take part in a life-size Rube Goldberg machine where they create spectacular chain reactions by performing stunts on a skateboard, bicycle, race car or motorcycle.
