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World's Largest Virtual Rube Goldberg

This is an unique opportunity to be part of world's largest virtual Rube Goldberg project. We welcome our engineers to join in teams and make it an interesting project for people to follow and participate. Use your imagination and don't forget to add animations. If this machine gets long and complex enough, we're planning on applying for a Guinness World Record for largest CAD project ever!

Our goal is to build largest Rube Goldberg machine with as many engineers participating as possible. There can be several team entries with different approaches and CAD softwares used. The charm about this machine is that it is never ending.

The Idea is that everyone adds their own mechanism to the machine. So download the files, build the next mechanism(s) and when you are done post the new files on GrabCAD. Remember to add a comment if you are working on the next mechanism so others don't start building it.

There has been one similar project in GrabCAD: Rube Goldberg Experiment

So team up with engineers in your office, engineers you went to school with, or engineers already on GrabCAD and let's make this a fun challenge! Build build build!

Thanks to Scott Bruins for the original idea and http://www.youdopia.com/2012/01/17/the-coolest-rube-goldberg-machine-ever-caution-french/ for the picture.

________________________________________________________________________________________
All Rights Reserved. RUBE GOLDBERG (R) and RUBE GOLDBERG MACHINE (TM) are registered trademarks of Rube Goldberg Inc. www.rubegoldberg.com

Requirements

  • Parts designed by different engineers must draw a Rube Goldberg effect: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rube_Goldberg_machine

  • Each team needs to have a project manager responsible for sorting out the work order

  • Each entry needs to come out with an animation

  • Goal is to build largest Rube Goldberg machine with as many parts as possible

  • The model view of engineer designing the first part of the mechanism will be platform for the whole project

  • It is highly recommended each team to have "sign up" sheet to understand who is doing what and in what order

Rules

  • Competition is open to everybody

  • Team entries are welcome

  • You can submit several designs

  • Each entry will be counted as part

  • Models can be done in any CAD software as long as a STEP or IGES files are also uploaded

  • Only models uploaded through this challenge page will participate in the challenge

  • Tag your model to "rubegoldberg"

Prizes

T-Shirt

Each member of a winning team chosen by our jury will get GrabCAD T-Shirt

Rube Goldberg Badge

All participants will get Rube Goldberg Badge

About GrabCAD

GrabCAD is a community founded by mechanical engineers. It is also a place for engineers to share their talent, expand knowledge, find a dream project and work with tools and features that make life better.

56 comments

  • Manolis Theofilos

    Manolis Theofilos over 13 years ago

    So one has to make the starting model. I will start the project.

    Manolis Theofilos has uploaded 85 CAD models & has left 523 comments.
  • Gabe Blanchet

    Gabe Blanchet over 13 years ago

    Awesome Manolis! Can't wait to see what you design as the starting platform for other engineers to build off of!

    Gabe Blanchet has uploaded 3 CAD models & has left 97 comments.
  • Kira

    Kira over 13 years ago

    Lets win us a Guinness World Record!

    Kira has uploaded 7 CAD models & has left 107 comments.
  • Kyle Reeder

    Kyle Reeder over 13 years ago

    Im excited! already got my addition thought up. now it's up to the execution. Anyone got a good resource for solidworks animation tips?

    Kyle Reeder has uploaded 7 CAD models & has left 7 comments.
  • William

    William over 13 years ago

    This is 100%WICKED can not wait to have another little blast @ this one :))))) Nice one Manolis on starting this one off :))))) Just an idea about the team entrys - an IV team - SW team - Pro E team - Catia team, ect..... :)

    William has uploaded 112 CAD models & has left 6848 comments.
  • CCG

    CCG over 13 years ago

    can i participate by my self without being part of a team????

    CCG has uploaded 77 CAD models & has left 170 comments.
  • William

    William over 13 years ago

    Hi Ghioca yes :))))) looking forward to seeing what you come up with

    William has uploaded 112 CAD models & has left 6848 comments.
  • Manolis Theofilos

    Manolis Theofilos over 13 years ago

    I teamed up with William now.

    Manolis Theofilos has uploaded 85 CAD models & has left 523 comments.
  • Allen

    Allen over 13 years ago

    I would like to participate in this. I'm on SolidWorks if anyone wants to team up with me. Here's an example of a SW animation that I made recently: http://youtu.be/ydDL0kwjhvE

    Allen has uploaded 11 CAD models & has left 20 comments.
  • - -

    - - over 13 years ago

    would I be able to participate even though I use inventor?

    - - has uploaded 0 CAD models & has left 3 comments.
  • Manolis Theofilos

    Manolis Theofilos over 13 years ago

    Of course you can. You just need to upload a step or iges format of your experiment as well.

    Manolis Theofilos has uploaded 85 CAD models & has left 523 comments.
  • Nicole Aggarwal

    Nicole Aggarwal over 13 years ago

    How do you make stuff? WHAT DO YOU DOWNLOAD?!

    Nicole Aggarwal has uploaded 0 CAD models & has left 1 comments.
  • - -

    - - over 13 years ago

    I use inventor, (from autocad) as I am an engineering student, however the majority of people here (from what I have seen) use a program called solid works- both programs cost money as they are used (I think solid works is) in the professional field. I honestly have no clue if there is another program you could use... blender???

    - - has uploaded 0 CAD models & has left 3 comments.
  • jaydeep n

    jaydeep n over 13 years ago

    Any Solid Works Designer...Wants To work With Me In This Project Me.....

    jaydeep n has uploaded 5 CAD models & has left 17 comments.
  • Adam Pohl (POHL3D)

    Adam Pohl (POHL3D) over 13 years ago

    Hows it coming Manolis??

    Adam Pohl (POHL3D) has uploaded 103 CAD models & has left 1226 comments.
  • joycefred70

    joycefred70 over 13 years ago

    This comment was removed

    joycefred70 has uploaded 1 CAD models & has left 42 comments.
  • jaydeep n

    jaydeep n over 13 years ago

    Any Solid Works Designer Would Like to Join My Group Please Send me E mail On jnd.mecher@gmail.com

    jaydeep n has uploaded 5 CAD models & has left 17 comments.
  • Allen

    Allen over 13 years ago

    So wait. Is each team supposed to create their own "worlds largest Rube Goldburg devise" and then we link them all together after to make the real world record attempt? or do we just take turns adding steps on to whatever the previous designer posted?

    Allen has uploaded 11 CAD models & has left 20 comments.
  • Gabe Blanchet

    Gabe Blanchet over 13 years ago

    @Allen- we take turns adding steps on to the previous submission. You can add more then one section if you'd like, though!

    Gabe Blanchet has uploaded 3 CAD models & has left 97 comments.
  • Gabe Blanchet

    Gabe Blanchet over 13 years ago

    @Allen- Your section can be as long and complicated as you like, so long as it links to the previous section and leaves an obvious "end point" for the next engineer to start. The other factor is turnaround time- It's good to take turns, but when it's your turn, try to post your addition quickly.

    Gabe Blanchet has uploaded 3 CAD models & has left 97 comments.
  • Nick Hampton

    Nick Hampton over 13 years ago

    I suggest you have a defined start/end point for the ball.
    Just give a dimension on where the ball will end up.That way everyone can at least begin there models and add them when its there turn without waiting to see where to begin?You may end up with a lot more entries for the time frame.

    Nick Hampton has uploaded 20 CAD models & has left 26 comments.
  • Collin Sturm

    Collin Sturm over 13 years ago

    I am not very experienced with inventor, but I will do my best!!! I might even get school credit for this!!

    Collin Sturm has uploaded 4 CAD models & has left 19 comments.
  • Collin Sturm

    Collin Sturm over 13 years ago

    Does anyone want to be on my team? I use Autodesk Inventor 2011.

    Collin Sturm has uploaded 4 CAD models & has left 19 comments.
  • Ajinkya Gotise

    Ajinkya Gotise over 13 years ago

    the large projects doesen't made by single person...

    Ajinkya Gotise has uploaded 0 CAD models & has left 5 comments.
  • Collin Sturm

    Collin Sturm over 13 years ago

    Ajinkya, I do not understand what you are trying to say.

    Collin Sturm has uploaded 4 CAD models & has left 19 comments.
  • Nuno Felix

    Nuno Felix over 13 years ago

    I created an entry but its not listed here?

    Nuno Felix has uploaded 302 CAD models & has left 188 comments.
  • Kaspar Kiis

    Kaspar Kiis over 13 years ago

    We are working on getting it fixed.

    Kaspar Kiis has uploaded 3 CAD models & has left 635 comments.
  • Nuno Felix

    Nuno Felix over 13 years ago

    Thanks

    Nuno Felix has uploaded 302 CAD models & has left 188 comments.
  • Nuno Felix

    Nuno Felix over 13 years ago

    Can i get a prize for starting it?? :) I want a Grabcad Coffee Mug ;)

    Nuno Felix has uploaded 302 CAD models & has left 188 comments.
  • Tomica Vukovic

    Tomica Vukovic over 13 years ago

    Some time long agoo is exist a game for small and big kids on comps, named, I think, Incredible machines - it was working on DOS and it had a amasing solutions. Really good game for brain.

    Tomica Vukovic has uploaded 123 CAD models & has left 104 comments.
  • Kaspar Kiis

    Kaspar Kiis over 13 years ago

    Nuno, we will send you a GrabCAD coffee mug for adding the first part, no problems. Who is doing the next step? Looking forward to get this thing going. We definitely need several Rube Goldberg projects running parallel. Any Solid Edge, Pro E, Catia engineers?

    Kaspar Kiis has uploaded 3 CAD models & has left 635 comments.
  • Leigh Christie

    Leigh Christie over 13 years ago

    have any of you seen the life sized mousetrap? or the work of Synn Labs?

    Leigh Christie has uploaded 1 CAD models & has left 14 comments.
  • Martha

    Martha over 13 years ago

    hmmmm

    Martha has uploaded 3 CAD models & has left 8 comments.
  • Tobias Mattsson

    Tobias Mattsson over 13 years ago

    Heh, whats the meaning of making a private entry in this challenge? :)

    Tobias Mattsson has uploaded 89 CAD models & has left 809 comments.
  • Elian Feenstra

    Elian Feenstra over 13 years ago

    Cool stuff... first thogh, I need to finish my graduation project before I will endulge myself in this.

    Already having mad plans that will never see the light of day :s

    Elian Feenstra has uploaded 25 CAD models & has left 135 comments.
  • Kaspar Kiis

    Kaspar Kiis over 13 years ago

    Hey, any change to see something new soon? Who is working on what and how is it going? :)

    Kaspar Kiis has uploaded 3 CAD models & has left 635 comments.
  • William Pendleton

    William Pendleton over 13 years ago

    what is the last submission? is anyone working on the next?

    William Pendleton has uploaded 7 CAD models & has left 26 comments.
  • Kazemiro

    Kazemiro over 13 years ago

    is there a software where I can simulate the sphere's circuit?

    Kazemiro has uploaded 3 CAD models & has left 4 comments.
  • Cullen Williams

    Cullen Williams over 13 years ago

    I'll start on one, Which of the entries was the last one?

    Cullen Williams has uploaded 17 CAD models & has left 31 comments.
  • Kaspar Kiis

    Kaspar Kiis about 13 years ago

    As there hasn't been no reply who is next I propose William Pendleton is doing the next bit on Rube Goldberg part Please reply within 3 days if you are willing to do that. If no, either Juan Cárdenas or Cullen Williams will take it over. We need to start get moving as the time is running out.

    Kaspar Kiis has uploaded 3 CAD models & has left 635 comments.
  • Kaspar Kiis

    Kaspar Kiis about 13 years ago

    @Juan Cárdenas can you make another bit?

    Kaspar Kiis has uploaded 3 CAD models & has left 635 comments.
  • Mohomed Nusry

    Mohomed Nusry about 13 years ago

    I would like to take the next turn. By the way, where can I find the latest model?

    Mohomed Nusry has uploaded 23 CAD models & has left 74 comments.
  • douglas sobers

    douglas sobers about 13 years ago

    This comment was removed

    douglas sobers has uploaded 1 CAD models & has left 1 comments.
  • Hardi Meybaum

    Hardi Meybaum about 13 years ago

    douglas sobers great to see you involved. Based on this you can convert.

    http://grabcad.com/questions/can-we-convert-the-shelby-cobra-file-to-stl

    Hardi Meybaum has uploaded 6 CAD models & has left 771 comments.
  • Kaspar Kiis

    Kaspar Kiis about 13 years ago

    @Mohomed all the related files should be together with the original (very first) Rube Goldberg part. You can also ask engineers involved in this project directly if you have any questions. Looking forward to see your entry.

    Kaspar Kiis has uploaded 3 CAD models & has left 635 comments.
  • John Richardson

    John Richardson about 13 years ago

    I'de like to contribute to this project but it looks like everyone is doing their own thing. Which file should I download and add to?

    John Richardson has uploaded 6 CAD models & has left 4 comments.
  • Kaspar Kiis

    Kaspar Kiis about 13 years ago

    John, continue with this one: Rube Goldberg part and let us know if you are working on it.

    Kaspar Kiis has uploaded 3 CAD models & has left 635 comments.
  • William

    William about 13 years ago

    Hi John, now that I have a little more time on my hands rather than working 24/7 LoL'ss could you let me know how you are going to finish yours and I shall make a little start in a few days for another section please? If so that will be great :P

    William has uploaded 112 CAD models & has left 6848 comments.
  • Ibrahim Sanih Ahmed

    Ibrahim Sanih Ahmed about 13 years ago

    I'm guessing you'll need a pretty powerful machine to execute a large enough collection right?!

    Ibrahim Sanih Ahmed has uploaded 12 CAD models & has left 83 comments.
  • ged M

    ged M about 13 years ago

    I'm excited to see how this will turn out!

    ged M has uploaded 1 CAD models & has left 8 comments.
  • Surajmal

    Surajmal about 13 years ago

    My entry
    Virtual Rube Goldberg

    Surajmal has uploaded 133 CAD models & has left 382 comments.
  • Fateh MERRAD

    Fateh MERRAD about 13 years ago

    when the result will be displayed ?

    Fateh MERRAD has uploaded 22 CAD models & has left 792 comments.
  • Arcanjo

    Arcanjo about 13 years ago

    when the result will be displayed ? two!

    Arcanjo has uploaded 133 CAD models & has left 187 comments.
  • Juan Esteban Paz (JEPaz)

    Juan Esteban Paz (JEPaz) about 13 years ago

    looking forward to the results!!

    Juan Esteban Paz (JEPaz) has uploaded 84 CAD models & has left 1002 comments.
  • Tomas

    Tomas about 13 years ago

    :) Congratulations! Really good team! :)

    Tomas has uploaded 50 CAD models & has left 752 comments.
  • Ahmed Braham

    Ahmed Braham over 12 years ago

    Congratulations

    Ahmed Braham has uploaded 59 CAD models & has left 792 comments.

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  • Deadline Passed
  • Total entries 9
    Private 2
  • Who’s in the jury?
  • Scott Bruins
    First Rube Goldberg project creator in GrabCAD
  • Adam Pohl (POHL3D)
    Member of first Rube Goldberg team in GrabCAD
  • Terry Stonehocker
    Member of first Rube Goldberg team in GrabCAD

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