Roboticist-Turned-Teacher Built a Life-Size Replica of Eniac
26 points
1 day ago
| 6 comments
| spectrum.ieee.org
| HN
ofrzeta
7 minutes ago
[-]
Not to detract from the amazing feat the teacher and students achieved but what are "simulated vacuum tubes"?

EDIT: oh, it's really just "visual simulation" if you want to put it like that.

"Vacuum tubes were recreated using paper printed elements that match the size, spacing, and density of the originals... Cabling paths and plugboard interfaces were recreated visually and spatially so students could understand how dense, repetitive, and precise the machine was." https://www.theregister.com/2026/01/21/eniac_model_build/

reply
Animats
3 hours ago
[-]
The idea for the company came when Burick was building a “white box” PC from standard, off-the-shelf components, and realized there was no comparable product for robotics. ... They sold about 200 robots in 17 countries, Burick says.

Yup. There's no volume in hobbyist robot kits.

reply
pkphilip
2 hours ago
[-]
Wow! I am sure the kids are totally kicked and will remember this for the rest of their lives!

We need many more of these sorts of projects - for kids as well as adults

reply
ginkgotree
2 hours ago
[-]
This is a pretty great flex. Because it's awesome.
reply
Matterless
3 hours ago
[-]
Their Eniac clone is cool and all, but this guy himself is just amazing.
reply
charcircuit
1 hour ago
[-]
The computer doesn't even work. Disappointing.
reply