VIDEO: THE PUNY ROBOT SAYS: 'CHECKMATE'

What is the point of taking on a challenge with a robot that you cannot see pondering, or that you clearly know you will most probably lose against, no matter what you play?
Software opponents are too impersonal says the Russian behind the DIY Projects YouTube channel, and the creator of Chessbot.

Chessbot is an awkwardly cute wooden robotic arm that plays chess for a living, and will probably kick your...butt. The project is put together using an Arduino Leonardo controller, 4 servo-motors, a few pieces of wood and a metallic grabbing-hand-thingy. The Chessbot can literally play chess with you – just imagine pairing two bots against each other...

It connects via Bluetooth to an Android smartphone that is docked right on top, it observes the position of pieces on the board as a bird's eye view, and then relays them to the manipulator's arm to pick up and move the chess pieces.

It also takes its own sweet time, with the arm fumbling around on both axes as it picks up pieces, giving it somewhat a human character. However, do not underestimate it just yet. It still pretty much kills players, picking up the opponent's pieces and placing them in a tiny cup into the Chessbot's side. Just have a look at the video and decide for yourself if you are ready to take on the Chessbot, or not?