Built by Dutch creator Sten of the YouTube channel Creative Mindstorms, the AI LEGO PixelArt Robot (aka PixelBot 3000) is a LEGO robot that can build pixel-style portraits with 1×1 LEGO studs using text prompts. You simply type in a subject, and the AI art program DALL-E 3 generates an image. Then, Sten’s custom Python code transforms it into a piece of pixel art capable of fitting on a 32 x 32 baseplate. PixelBot, build me the Mona Lisa!
The robot can use up to 15 colors to create its portraits, with 1×1 studs fed to it from a vertical hopper, which does require human refilling if a color gets low. PixelBot creates its pictures line by line, with a corkscrew mechanism automatically moving the baseplate when it’s time to start a new line.
It’s a pretty impressive feat of programming and engineering. How people can develop and execute these builds never ceases to amaze me. And all in their own spare time! I couldn’t even do this if I was getting paid good money to.
[via TheAwesomer]
With over 17 years of writing experience, Jonathan has had a passion for all things tech-related, ever since watching Inspector Gadget as a child. He's disassembled countless appliances and managed to put a few back together, and one still works. When not writing, he can often be found playing video games or accidentally hurting himself in the garage.