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Man hacks 3D printer into an unstoppable air hockey robot

We welcome our superior robotic overlords with trembling arms

Esat Dedezade

When is a 3D printer not a 3D printer? Why, when it’s an unforgiving, unnaturally accurate air hockey player of course.

Armed with a toolbox, parts for a RepRap 3D printer and a burning desire to smash a puck across a table of air, Jose Julio has hammered and drilled together a self-playing air hockey robot.

Man hacks 3D printer into an unstoppable air hockey robot

The table itself is made from wood, while standard PC fans supply the air to cushion the puck from below.

Profile image of Esat Dedezade Esat Dedezade Contributor

About

Esat has been a gadget fan ever since his tiny four-year-old brain was captivated by a sound-activated dancing sunflower. From there it was a natural progression to a Sega Mega Drive, a brief obsession with hedgehogs, and a love for all things tech. After 7 years as a writer and deputy editor for Stuff, Esat ventured out into the corporate world, spending three years as Editor of Microsoft's European News Centre. Now a freelance writer, his appetite for shiny gadgets has no bounds. Oh, and like all good human beings, he's very fond of cats.