# Rubik's Cube

> 3-D combination puzzle with many different permutations

**Wikidata**: [Q47043](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q47043)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rubik's_Cube)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/rubik-s-cube

## Summary
Rubik's Cube is a 3-D combination puzzle invented by Hungarian Ernő Rubik in 1974, featuring many different permutations. It is part of the broader category of twisty puzzles and has inspired numerous variations, including the Void Cube and Sudoku Cube.

## Key Facts
- Invented by Ernő Rubik in 1974.
- Part of the "twisty puzzles" category, also known as combination puzzles or turning puzzles.
- Includes variations such as the Void Cube (without centers) and the Sudoku Cube (introduced in 2006).
- Created by Hungarian inventor Ernő Rubik, born in 1944.
- Originally developed in Hungary.
- Licensed and marketed by Ideal Toy Company (established 1907) and Spin Master (founded 1994).
- Has a mathematical group known as the Rubik's Cube group.
- Aliases include Magic cube, 3x3x3 cube, and 3×3×3 cube.
- Official website: [rubiks.com](https://rubiks.com/).
- First sold in 1974 (May 19).
- Has 112 Wikipedia sitelinks.

## FAQs
- **What is Rubik's Cube?** It is a 3-D combination puzzle invented by Ernő Rubik in 1974, designed to challenge solvers with its many permutations.
- **Who invented Rubik's Cube?** Hungarian inventor Ernő Rubik created it in 1974.
- **What are some variations of Rubik's Cube?** Variations include the Void Cube (without centers) and the Sudoku Cube (introduced in 2006).
- **Which companies market Rubik's Cube?** Ideal Toy Company (established 1907) and Spin Master (founded 1994) license and distribute it.
- **What is the Rubik's Cube group?** It is a mathematical group representing the possible moves in the puzzle.
- **Where was Rubik's Cube invented?** It was developed in Hungary.
- **What are the official aliases for Rubik's Cube?** Magic cube, 3x3x3 cube, and 3×3×3 cube.

## Why It Matters
Rubik's Cube revolutionized the puzzle industry by introducing a mechanical challenge that captivated millions. Its design sparked interest in group theory and combinatorics, influencing mathematics and computer science. As a cultural phenomenon, it became a global toy sensation, fostering a competitive community and inspiring countless variations. Its simplicity and complexity make it a timeless puzzle that continues to engage solvers worldwide.

## Notable For
- First mass-produced twisty puzzle (1974).
- Inspired the Void Cube (centerless variation) and Sudoku Cube (2006).
- Basis for the Rubik's Cube group in mathematical research.
- Licensed by Ideal Toy Company and Spin Master.
- Has 112 Wikipedia sitelinks, indicating widespread recognition.

## Body
### History
Rubik's Cube was invented by Ernő Rubik in 1974, originally developed in Hungary. It was first sold in May 1974 and quickly gained popularity as a mechanical puzzle. The puzzle's design was patented and later licensed to Ideal Toy Company, which helped distribute it globally.

### Variations
The Rubik's Cube family includes several variations:
- **Void Cube**: A centerless variation without fixed center pieces.
- **Sudoku Cube**: Introduced in 2006, combining the Rubik's Cube with Sudoku logic.

### Mathematical Significance
The puzzle is studied in group theory, with the Rubik's Cube group representing all possible moves. This has led to research in solving algorithms and computational complexity.

### Companies Involved
- **Ideal Toy Company**: American toy company established in 1907, which licensed the original Rubik's Cube.
- **Spin Master**: Canadian toy and entertainment company founded in 1994, now marketing the brand.

### Classification
Rubik's Cube is classified as a:
- Combination puzzle (also known as twisty puzzles or turning puzzles).
- Abstract strategy game, minimizing luck and relying on mechanical skill.

### Cultural Impact
The puzzle became a global phenomenon, fostering a competitive community and inspiring countless variations. Its design and permutations continue to be studied in mathematics and computer science.

### Related Entities
- **Ernő Rubik**: Hungarian inventor born in 1944, credited with creating the puzzle.
- **Hungary**: Country of origin for the invention.
- **Brand**: Identification for the Rubik's Cube as a product.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. [SUDOC](https://www.idref.fr/02750395X)
3. [Source](https://activerain.com/blogsview/5501527/happy-46th-birthday-to-the-rubik-s-cube-)
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. BBC Things
6. Quora
7. National Library of Israel
8. KBpedia
9. [rubiks-cube · GitHub Topics · GitHub](https://github.com/topics/rubiks-cube)