Project Abstract

This project was to create a means of playing Connect-4 against an AI whose moves are optimized to attempt to force a win using the Minimax algorithm, as well as use alpha-beta pruning to reduce the computation time needed between moves. The motivation for this project stems from wanting to find a way to incorporate modern technology into a traditional board game. The project uses a physical Connect-4 grid as the point of interaction between the human and the computer, using a microcontroller as a go-between from the grid to the computer running the algorithm. To ensure that the game remains fun to play, we implemented a difficulty system, where the bot becomes easier or more difficult to beat depending on the chosen difficulty. The bot can be played against both digitally using the on-screen board, or through the physical board.

Keywords: Artificial intelligence, Minimax algorithm, Human Computer Interaction Design

 Conference Details

Session: Poster Session A at Poster Stand 3

Location: Sir Stanley Clarke Auditorium at Tuesday 7th 13:30 – 17:00

Markers: Arno Pauly, Hans Ren

Course: BSc Computer Science FI, 3rd Year

Future Plans: I have a job lined-up