Video summary

Building the Ultimate Piano Robot

Main summary

Key takeaways

Technology

Summary of Technological Concepts & Build/Review Focus

The video describes the creation of a self-playing piano robot (“Tried and True”). The goal is to let a user plug into an almost any piano, select a song from a phone, and have the piano play it automatically.

Problems with Version 1

  • Unreliable/complex wiring: The wiring was described as a “disaster,” difficult to maintain, and causing headaches during setup and use.
  • Mechanical instability: The frame sagged in the middle under the weight of solenoids, making alignment difficult.
  • Limited musical expressiveness: Attempts at dynamics failed—notes were effectively either full-force (“full blast”) or off, creating a robotic sound.
  • Usability: It was difficult for other people to use.

Version 2 Plan (Key Improvements)

  1. Fix wiring
  2. Add real expression and dynamics
  3. Improve reliability
  4. Build a real frame
  5. Make it easy to control

Major Technical Upgrades in Version 2

1) Custom electronics + cleaner wiring

  • The solution used a custom PCB approach.
  • Instead of one central control with extensive wiring, each octave has its own dedicated controller.
  • Solenoids and power connect directly to the board, drastically reducing wiring complexity.
  • Result: the system became cleaner, lighter, and easier to work on.

2) Independent control per key → real expression

  • The new electronics enable independent control of every key.
  • Version 1 treated notes as mostly binary (on/off) with identical force per key.
  • Version 2 upgraded solenoids to 24 volts, enabling:
    • soft notes to sound soft
    • loud notes to sound loud
    • a more natural performance with dynamics

3) New CNC-machined frame for mechanical alignment

  • The frame was redesigned from scratch and machined from walnut.
  • It used a Shapeoko 5.1 Pro CNC (Carbide 3D).
  • Workflow mentioned:
    • design parts in Fusion 360
    • generate toolpaths in Carbide Create
    • run cuts on the CNC
  • Outcome: improved strength, better solenoid alignment, and a more professional finish.
  • The frame was named “Tried and True.”

4) Assembly: many solenoids/boards + integration work

The build required:

  • 84 solenoids
  • 7 control boards
  • hundreds of screws
  • substantial soldering and assembly effort

Assembly progressed in phases:

  • solenoids → electronics → final integration

5) Mechanical refinement: alignment fixes

  • Old square key-press mechanisms tended to rotate and drift.
  • They were redesigned with a circular shape to improve positional stability.

6) Power upgrade for high solenoid load

  • Because 84 solenoids draw substantial current, the project included a power supply upgrade to handle the load reliably.

7) Dedicated pedal control (sustain)

  • Version 1 didn’t include a pedal.
  • Version 2 adds a dedicated pedal assembly using two large solenoids.
  • The pedal assembly plugs into the control box and provides sustain like a human player.
  • A protective cover was added to clean up and protect the electronics.

Control / Usability Feature

To make the robot accessible, the creator built a simple web interface:

  • connect via Wi‑Fi
  • upload a song
  • press play

After the build, the robot also received:

  • proper tuning
  • removal of temporary “solenoid stickers”
  • extensive months of designing, testing, and rebuilding

Main Speaker / Source

  • The video’s creator / builder (speaking throughout; thanks Carbide 3D for the CNC machine).

Original video