uComputox - A Modern Replica

The Assembled uComputox Kit

 To raise awareness of the Computox, and a little money for the Museum of Computing, we put together the uComputox (microComputox), a  solder-kit replica of the Drof Computox.  These were for sale at the recent Retrofest 2026 exhibition in Swindon, where the Drof Computox was on show.

The kit uses an ATTINY84 to simulate the behaviour of the Computox.  The state of the board is shown on nine, bi-colour LEDs, with player input captured using 12mm contact switches.  The uComputox uses the same algorithm to play single-player noughts-and-crosses and incorporates both the secret/beatable and random modes of play found in the original.  This makes it ideal for children to tease siblings or friends with their inside knowledge.

 

In addition to tic-tac-toe, the uComputox also plays the classic machine learning game Hexapawn.  Created by Martin Gardner in 1962, Hexapawn demonstrates reinforcement learning through a cut down version of chess.  When switched on, the uComputox is a noob, making moves at random.  However, the uComputox does not repeat its errors and as you beat it over 20 or so games it becomes unbeatable.

The Drof Computox Exhibit at Retrofest 2026