Impossible Maze

A frustratingly difficult maze inspired by an Indiana Jones adventure

Material: Al 6061

Processes: CNC Milling, Finishing, Laser Cutting

A project for Stanford class ME 318: Computer-Aided Product Realization. Despite the name, the maze is not actually impossible. To get from the start in the upper left to the finish at the top of the “volcano” in the lower right, you must either successfully jump a ball bearing over four gaps or balance on a winding platform. Either path is frustrating yet addictive even after you complete it once.

It was difficult yet fun to brainstorm ideas for what to do with a flat plate of aluminum for a maze. I wanted to combine 3D features only achievable on a CNC mill with a mechanic that made it more like a game than a maze.