Inspired by a YouTube video of an 8x8x8 LED cube, I set out to put my own spin on the concept by creating a 6x6x5 IoT-controlled LED cube. The goal was to build a system that would be fully managed through the cloud, allowing for remote control of the cube’s lighting patterns. With 200 individually addressable LEDs, I knew this project would present significant design and technical challenges that would push me to innovate new tools and methods.

The first challenge was ensuring that each of the 180 LEDs was bent with precision to fit neatly into the cube’s structure. After experimenting with different methods, I designed a custom tool specifically to bend the LED leads consistently. It took four iterations to develop a version that made the bending process both quick and accurate, significantly reducing the time spent on manual adjustments. This tool became an essential part of the project, allowing me to focus on other areas of assembly with confidence that each LED would be perfectly aligned.

With the leads bent and aligned, the next step was to securely hold the LEDs in place during the soldering process. I developed a custom holder that allowed me to keep each layer stable while connecting the LEDs. In total, 540 solder joints were required to complete the cube, and the holder played a crucial role in keeping everything aligned.

However, as I assembled the first two layers, I ran into an unexpected problem. The serial signal was being mirrored as it passed through the layers. To fix this, I created a guide to help mirror the next set of layers during assembly. This allowed me to ensure that each level functioned correctly without interfering with the others

Once the cube was physically assembled, I turned my attention to the IoT aspect of the project. I chose an Arduino Nano 33 because of its built-in IoT capabilities, but connecting it to the internet proved to be a new set of challenges. The process of establishing a reliable connection required several rounds of troubleshooting and programming adjustments. I implemented a robust error-handling system that checked power and LED functionality before attempting to connect to the cloud. This system also featured a diagnostic tool—an LED in the corner of the cube would indicate connection status, providing real-time feedback on whether the cube was online or facing issues

With the hardware and software challenges solved, I moved on to programming custom lighting patterns. Using the Arduino Cloud, I developed an interface that allows me to control the cube remotely from my phone. I can adjust various parameters, including speed, color, and specific patterns, giving me complete control over the cube’s display. The system is fully functional, and the IoT aspect adds an exciting layer of flexibility to the project.

The process of bending the leads and soldering the 540 connections was a major undertaking. The custom tools I developed played a significant role in ensuring precision, and the mirrored signal issue was resolved by carefully adjusting the assembly process.

Getting the Arduino Nano 33 to connect to the internet consistently was a challenge, but I overcame it through rigorous error handling and by implementing visual indicators for diagnosing connection problems.

Ensuring the system could recover from potential connection failures was crucial. The startup routine I implemented verifies power and LED status before connecting to the cloud, ensuring stability and reliability.

This project taught me a lot about the importance of creating custom tools to streamline complex tasks. The LED cube was not just a test of technical skills but also a lesson in problem-solving. By iterating on my design and developing tools that solved specific challenges, I was able to overcome obstacles more efficiently.

The final result is a fully functional IoT-controlled LED cube that sits proudly on my shelf. It’s a testament to the power of innovation and adaptability in both design and engineering. From custom tools to cloud integration, this project pushed my skills to a new level and provided valuable lessons for future endeavors.