Snake on Water Droplets: How OpenDrop Reimagined a Childhood Classic with Lab-Grade Technology

The Snake Game and Its Innovative Evolution

We all played the famous “Snake” game on monochrome-screen phones as a simple way to pass the time. However, this classic game has recently seen a new version that merges innovative thinking with modern scientific technologies. This opens new horizons for understanding simple games within an advanced technological context.

OpenDrop: Where Science Meets Play

This version is part of a “Do It Yourself” (DIY) experiment. It blends creative thinking with a biological device used in laboratories, known as OpenDrop. Designed by a Swiss researcher as an open-source platform, the device provides an ideal environment for developing two-dimensional games like “Snake.”
It operates using a microscopic digital surface. This surface moves droplets of water across an electronic grid by employing electrically charged surfaces—making it possible to transform complex interactions into tangible gameplay experiences.

The Role of the Dielectric Material in Moving Water Droplets

The mechanism behind moving water droplets relies on the use of a dielectric material embedded in the device’s grid. This material attracts or repels the polar molecules of water, enabling precise and controlled droplet movement across the grid.

Electric Control as a Means of Movement

By adjusting the electric voltage applied to the electronic board, the polarized droplets can be guided from one electrode to another. This process creates a fluidic display that moves across the game board. This allows the classic “Snake” mechanics to be reimagined in a groundbreaking new dimension.

Cost Challenges and Practical Experimentation

Although the device’s cost can reach up to €1000, this did not stop researcher “Steve” from pursuing his project. He even traveled to Switzerland to visit the specialized laboratory. In Switzerland, he gained hands-on insight into the device’s operation—highlighting the importance of research and practical engagement in advancing such innovative technologies.

Turning a Water Droplet into a Game Character

With the help of the OpenDrop device and Copilot programming, Steve managed to transform a simple droplet of water into an interactive in-game character. He was able to move the droplet across an 8×14 grid. This allows it to collide with food particles that cause it to grow in size—while carefully avoiding contact with the edges of the grid.

Increasing Difficulty as the Character Grows

As the snake collects smaller droplets of water, its body lengthens, making it progressively harder to control. This dynamic introduces a tactical element to the game, as the level of difficulty rises steadily with the player’s progress.

Technical Challenges and Their Impact on Gameplay

The game faces several technical challenges, including ripples, unexpected splitting, and merging of droplets. These introduce an element of randomness to the gameplay. It’s worth noting that understanding how electrodes interact with the dielectric layer—and getting them to work in harmony—is a significant engineering challenge.

An Educational Experience Beyond Fun

At its core, this “do-it-yourself” experience is more than just a game or a source of entertainment. It serves as a hands-on lesson in how to repurpose lab equipment—typically unrelated to gaming—into a retro-style gaming device. This opens new horizons in the realm of technological innovation.

Cost Challenges and Commitment to Vision

The shipping fees for the OpenDrop device added a significant financial burden to the overall cost. Yet, this did not deter Steve from pursuing his project. He remained committed to his original vision: running the classic Snake game on this unique device.

Opening the Door to Community Creativity

To encourage participation and continuous development, Steve decided to make his project open-source. This allows the DIY hobbyist community to modify and innovate on the electrowetting platform. He also launched a challenge to develop a functional version of the game “Tetris”. This is a particularly difficult task given the dynamic nature of the moving water droplets.

✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight

This initiative offers a unique model that blends science, technology, and creativity. It highlights the importance of interdisciplinary thinking in shaping the future of gaming technologies.
Despite the technical and financial challenges, the project showcases new possibilities for utilizing laboratory materials and techniques in both entertainment and education.

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