XRP CoreXY Chessboard Reimagined

2026-03-11 | By Don Johanneck

DigiKey’s CoreXY Chessboard was conceived and built by interns in 2025 as a project that showcased the power of the XRP experiential platform. Projects like the chessboard are the culmination of weeks of design, build, redesign, and rebuild until objectives are met.

Image of XRP CoreXY Chessboard Reimagined

Here is a link to the original build video on YouTube.

Original Maker.io project Link: CoreXY Chessboard Electronics Meet Classic Chess

After the celebration of a working prototype, it was time to reimagine the machine to showcase the XRP platform to the public. This is a wonderful time for refinement of mechanisms, footprint, durability, and lighting while preserving what works.

The transformation: Checkmate!

To make it easier to transport, the footprint is reduced to the smallest dimension that still allows full gantry movement. A new, thinner frame was used, with custom stainless-steel corners that captured the stepper motors and idler spindles.

Image of XRP CoreXY Chessboard Reimagined XRP CoreXY Chess Machine (without chessboard)

The display and related push buttons are enclosed and remounted to facilitate 360-degree rotation and put in a more prominent location. The balance of the wiring is hidden using a false floor system with sight holes for the controllers.

Image of XRP CoreXY Chessboard Reimagined

The polycarbonate chessboard is replaced by tempered glass for durability and better scratch resistance. Lastly, the MOSFET switch for the electromagnet was replaced with a PWM motor controller so the output level could be tuned. As the controller had two outputs, the second output controls an XRP lighted logo under a translucent 3D printed lens.

Image of XRP CoreXY Chessboard Reimagined

Also placed under a translucent lens was a NeoPixel ring that travels with the electromagnet to indicate the current player's color and to signal the end of the game.

Using 3D printed elements is a quick and effective way to dress up any design. We gave the chess machine a Romanesque style and the ability to break down more easily for storage and transport.

Version 2.0 is complete until the next round of feature creep warrants another upgrade. Who knows what can be added or improved in the future? With the wide array of products distributed by DigiKey, the sky is the limit.