rHXN

Roboticist-Turned-Teacher Built a Life-Size Replica of Eniac

https://spectrum.ieee.org/roboticist-turned-teacher-eniac-replica
By: oldnetguy
HN Link
ofrzeta - 2 hours 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/

Animats - 5 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.

leadgenman - 1 hour ago
I think I can easily see this coming where Apple is beating Nvidia.
pkphilip - 4 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

ginkgotree - 4 hours ago
This is a pretty great flex. Because it's awesome.
Matterless - 5 hours ago
Their Eniac clone is cool and all, but this guy himself is just amazing.
charcircuit - 3 hours ago
The computer doesn't even work. Disappointing.