Nearly three decades after a computer first defeated a reigning chess world champion, the game is entering a new phase of automation. Joshua Stanley Robotics, an online maker and YouTuber, has constructed a fully functional, self-playing chessboard that not only understands human moves but also executes its own – and wins.
The Rise of Automated Chess
The landmark 1997 defeat of Garry Kasparov by IBM’s Deep Blue signaled the beginning of a trend. Modern chess engines are now so advanced that even grandmasters struggle against them on smartphones. However, all these advances still rely on a human to physically move the pieces. That’s changing, with hobbyists like Stanley driving innovation in physical automation. This shift highlights the ongoing integration of AI into real-world applications, moving beyond digital simulations.
How It Works: Magnets and Motors
Stanley’s design leverages magnets embedded in custom 3D-printed chess pieces. A printed circuit board (PCB) underneath the board contains magnetic sensors that detect when a piece is moved. To move its own pieces, an electromagnet guided by a motorized mechanism pulls the magnetized pieces across the board. This simple but effective method sidesteps the complexity of robotic arms, which Stanley initially explored but found unreliable.
The “brain” of the operation is Stockfish, a widely used open-source chess engine. Stanley integrated this engine via a Python script, translating physical movements into digital inputs and vice versa. The system can adjust its difficulty, allowing Stanley – who admits to being no chess expert – to ensure he consistently loses.
Limitations and Commercial Alternatives
While functional, the board has limitations. Knight moves, which require passing over other pieces, can cause collisions. Captured pieces must be removed manually. Despite these drawbacks, Stanley considers the project a success, highlighting the “suspense” created by the hidden motion and motor hum.
Several commercial alternatives exist. The Miko-Chess Grand, for example, retails for $497 and uses a similar magnetic system in a polished wooden design. The Phantom chessboard can even connect to online platforms like Chess.com, allowing physical play against remote human opponents.
From Challenge to Learning Opportunity
Stanley’s project stands out as a demonstration of DIY engineering. The primary goal wasn’t commercial viability but technical exploration. Stanley himself notes that the build was an excuse to learn Python coding, adding a valuable skill set to his repertoire.
“Overall, I’m really pleased with how this project turned out… It gave me a good excuse to start learning to code in Python, which was a bonus goal for me.”
The self-playing chessboard demonstrates the growing accessibility of AI-driven automation. By combining open-source software with DIY hardware, projects like Stanley’s are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible outside traditional engineering pipelines.
