Wizard's Chess

Laser cut model of the top of the chess board

Inspiration

As a team of Harry Potter fans, we were inspired to create a real-life version of wizard's chess to use technology to add an element of magic from the Wizarding World into our own lives.

What it does

Our project allows a player to play against a hidden opponent (computer) similar to the chess board obstacle in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. A player can move his or her pieces and tell the computer its move then the opponent's pieces will move on their own to counter the player's attack.

How I built it

The board is made from laser-cut wood, the containing box from acrylic, the pieces 3D printed, and the chess algorithm in Python. We use an electromagnet to move the desired piece; the electromagnet is moved using linear rails to the desired spot in the grid and then turned on and directed to the new square.