Lego Technic Automatic 4-speed Transmission Prototype

[@jonhlennon312]

I am more impressed on how you managed to create a 'resistance sensor' with the rubber band and the lever.

[@millomweb]

Getting that resistance to select the gears is pretty impressive. Measuring loads by springs (even rubber ones) is old hat !

[@SirThreepio]

If this person is not a mechanical engineer - he should be 🙂

[@gavingynert2455]

@@SirThreepio Why?

[@RobertKreegier]

Gavin Gynert How dare you question The Klein.

[@mvrao2431]

How to make this

[@43615]

Using a diff and a rubber band to measure resistance? Someone, give this man a job at LEGO.

[@liamshelley496]

I can has job? I thought of the same idea

[@ThomasD1962]

Or NASA!

[@RAiNfORAiNbOW]

that has been done ages ago its not new look automatic transmissions on youtube. Not to take away from sariel, this is really clean and well presented

[@liamshelley496]

@@RAiNfORAiNbOW I know

[@NoOne-fe3gc]

precision polish engineering

[@fuchs_1053]

The problem is, that the clutches aren't getting locked in perfectly, the angle of the clutch stepper, is only sometimes in the perfect 90 degree position needed, to have a flawless shift. If you would just simply ad a 90 degree stepper to the clutch stepper as for example used in the bugatti chiron you could get rid of the stepper standing at a wrong angle. The transmission would then not shift in a liniear motion but in 4 steps, which will make it more accurate and stabalized in 2nd and 3rd gear. Pls like so he can see. Edit: Yo grammar police chill down, im fqin German 2nd Edit: You could try using the axle connectors with the clicking mechanism instead of the smooth connectors, where the clutch moves freely. Could work too, because the gears kinda click and lock in place and a certain amount of tension is needed to reach the next gear. Replacing one of the axle-connectors should be enough.

[@richardjulien1329]

I think that another problem is the way the strength is tested, by the elastic circling around a piece... If it was linear more than round, the shifting for the second and first speed won't be so hard...

[@Rakiska]

In lego defender transmission too perfect 90 degree steps.

[@rolfvanrijckevorsel]

He already has a stepper build in

[@davidnordheidelberg3903]

@@rolfvanrijckevorsel We got the same profile pic...

[@AutodidactEngineer]

Don't confuse "An" and "A" because you only put "an" if the following word starts with a vowel otherwise always use "A" ...don't worry you'll get it at some point

[@modelllichtsysteme]

Back in 1995, I would give all my toys or what ever to have such a transmission for my LEGO Technik cars! WELL DONE SARIEL!

[@rupert6478]

omg, those lego technic sets frmo the 90's

[@VitalisProductions]

@@rupert6478 especially shifting rings lol

[@theq4602]

Sariel: I've run out of ideas on how to improve this. Me: All is lost if this genius cant crack it.

[@GraemeGunn]

omg he's GOT TO CRACK IT FOR FUCK'S SAKE I haven't been able to sleep lately. I've just been waiting for SARIEL TO CRACK IT. WHAT A FUCKIN GENIUS

[@millomweb]

I've given 2 suggestions for improvements !

[@JaceN3D]

@@millomweb wheee

[@TechnoFishlego]

Finally and automatic transmission that works

[@fatford4209]

Still better than a Nissan

[@caesar5775]

Uve been searching the entire internet for this huh? A man of culture, i see.

[@TechnoFishlego]

@@caesar5775 actually yes😂 I have spent many hours searching for and building automatic transmissions and this by far is the best I have seen.

[@benlogicfactsshapiro]

Mini Cooper Nation CVT =/= automatic

[@AdmiralFroggy]

Toyota, Subaru, Honda, Volvo, ford(trucks only) all have pretty good automatic tranny's. People just never change the oil

[@willtubes73]

I've probably been subscribed to you since about 2015. Not sure of the exact date, but I'm always glad to see an email notifying me that you uploaded a video!

[@searme]

Thank you!

[@thomasstrohmayer2805]

Hi Sariel, are you having an Instagram account belongs to your KZbin channel? When not it would be cool when you can make one

[@standardheat-fs8159]

Me too!

[@SMGSpiritRT]

I was since 2014 and I never end to be surprised with his creativity

[@messiermitchell4901]

I've seen auto 'boxes before, but this one has the most potential I feel.

[@smorris12]

Four gears in so few parts is amazingly clever. I suspect that the smooth shifting problem can't be solved with equal simplicity but, as an engineer, I am very impressed. Bravo!

[@tylernatale7898]

I'm definitely gonna do some playing around with this idea when I get home, it has some real potential. Nice work!

[@ssisk87]

Bro... Most people: Look, I made a car out of Lego... Sariel: I made a self adjusting automatic transmission, it's not perfect can you guys give me ideas on how to perfect it? The rest of us:... ... This guy made an automatic transmission out of Lego?... Can barely comprehend that let alone help you lol... Nah but seriously good luck on it, that's a game changer right there...

[@timoonn]

he just reused and adapted the 15yr old automatic gearbox system. Not a game changer. pro tips: fake dialogs are ridiculous, everywhere on youtube.

[@Ter8314]

You just said what I have in my mind ! The rest of us : This guy is awesome Sariel : It's not perfect...

[@SDRIFTERAbdlmounaim]

a game changer you say ? so did it become solitaire ?

[@SvendleBerries]

These arnt the same kinds of "lego" pieces that you get from your local store. The kind we all grew up with. These are custom made for projects like this. Its basically just plastic made to look like lego. Still neat, but not mind blowing. Now, if he were able to make a working transmission using just standard lego pieces, that would be impressive.

[@cactusking]

@@SvendleBerries They are real lego peices, idk when you grew up but these gear and beam type lego parts have been in stores since the late 70s.

[@Stigsens1]

I was building lego since i was a baby, 49 years ago. (Being from Denmark) when I see what you guys come up with, i get so so humble and proud at the same time. That a tiny (in the start) company in Denmark produce small plastic bits, that can be used like this. You guys are so creative....

[@joehoover7711]

i personally just wish it was easier to work for the main company..not just stores

[@coolranch7537]

that’s actually really smart and compact

[@ayporos]

> Creates beautiful automatic downshifting mechanism ... > Wheel of test vehicle falls off XD

[@gravedeen]

Funniest comment awarded for being most ironic!

[@qoodles4032]

2:23 Just beautiful to see it in action

[@carenthusiast172]

Sariel in 2025: I've made the Koenigsegg Regera transmission from Lego, not really reliable though.

[@zemax0618]

My engineering teacher : where did you get those mechanics knowledge? Me: you wouldn't get it

[@Krish0024]

Lego is such an amazing thing, as a kid me and my dad we've always played with Legos mostly with the old technics sets and I think it helped me a lot to get the necessary skills and mindset to mechanical things. Now as a grown up I fix aircrafts but I'm sure it all started with Legos.

[@coopervanbonn7525]

I’m so glad that we finally have a 2nd (That I know of) automatic transmission in this hobby. I built the version from Lego Technic Mastery, but the frame was very odd and hard to fit into a model, in addition to only having 2 gears. (It’s a fantastic design still, and very compact, I just never plan for these things haha) I would imagine that playing with the tension of both the stepper band and the shifter band could be used to find a ratio that would be smoothest? Just an idea. Now, back to building! 🐶

[@tymt2304]

That differential and rubber band mechanism is very impressive, I never would’ve come up with that. Great job

[@PhoenixClank]

This is brilliant! I've seen this concept applied to 2-speed transmissions, but I would have never thought about something like this! As for the stalling in "neutral", maybe the gap between consecutive gears wouldn't be as large if you built a true dual-clutch gearbox? It would probably be a lot bulkier. I know Sheepo built a PDK for his Porsche model, with actual (rubber-based, I think) clutches instead of relying on these transmission rings.

[@haphazard1342]

It seems like it doesn't need a "clutch", but exactly the opposite: a lockout to prevent the rubber band from spinning the shift selector backwards while in neutral. The only problem is preventing the lockout from being activated when there is low resistance, so that it can still be able to down shift. Could a one-way freewheel lockout be applied to the transmission side of the resistance measurement differential? It would need to be activated when the resistance is high, but not when the resistance is low... Maybe using an offset phase cam you could lower the lockout lever during shifts to prevent back-spin in neutral? Maybe this could be a second function of the spinning square cam that helps hold it in gear.

[@raphrath8561]

@@haphazard1342 the not needing a clutch is partly because the lego motors are so weak relative to their size when compared to car engines. ive done alot of lego with drill motors and i found myself needing clutches alot to help not break parts while shifting or other similar operations in tank transmissions. i also created a "torque converter" out of a swivel base thing filled with bike chain oil that worked well to soften the shock of sudden electric torque.

[@DavidWatt]

That is absolutely ingenious! Apart from designing a whole bloody transmission! The rubber band design is just superb! Amazing work!

[@vladimirchervenkov6949]

Each mechanism Sariel designs always blows my mind. I never imagined that an automatic transmission could be made from simple LEGO Technic pieces

[@postmodernrecycler]

No slush!?!

[@thettguy]

living the dream man. My 10 year old self wanted to do this project 43 years ago. Congratulations.

[@RobinHoodBricks]

Wow. This literally blows my mind. I simply wouldn't know where to start!

[@robertburgin8110]

I have watched this channel since about 2014. Never gets old.

[@eatfarts3430]

I would make much use of this, but I have a lack of parts and the lack of expendable wealth. Sad day.

[@EvanMoon]

Schroeddog Power I totally second your comment. I have a lot of ideas but do not have a lot of pieces

[@pmj_studio4065]

So you should exchange some pieces for ideas

[@thomasstrohmayer2805]

@@pmj_studio4065 Is this a joke or can I really do this on a special platform in the internet?

[@aumortis]

@@thomasstrohmayer2805 there are actually some LEGO forums, like Eurobricks.

[@richardjulien1329]

Lot of pieces... But 99% of them are old pieces from 2000... Lots of ideas... But 99% of them are with pieces more actual XD so in some way I understand you... Well at least I can build the last percent of my ideas XD

[@JediTim28]

Another great idea you put into practice. This little concept could really make some of the LEGO vehicles so much better. Thanks for everything you provide to the community.

[@cmetaphor]

Awesome work as always. What about some sort of centrifugal clutch mechanism? It would be too big, but might work. Or even several clutches with varying degrees of force needed to engage. In my head it would work backwards, with the least amount of resistance on the output shaft, all four clutches are engaged, as the force builds, the weakest slips, causing the gear ratio change when only 3 clutches ares spinning. Etc etc until only the last clutch has engaged (1st gear) or could even be adjusted to slip to prevent over-stressing the motor? Grain of salt. I've got ideas in my head but not enough experience (yet) to implement it. I just know I've seen functional clutches in Lego in the past. 🤷‍♂️

[@고영환-y9i]

Never thought that we could learn how the automatic transmission works with a help of lego and a brilliant man like you! From astonished SOUTH Korean.

[@StrxngeThings]

Never have I seen such detailed videos like this, I just want to say that whatever you are doing keep it up, favorite channel at the moment. Cheers lad. Also tell the hamsters I said hi. :)

[@searme]

I'm kinda torn between being flattered by your comment and offended by your username.

[@StrxngeThings]

Sariel's LEGO® Workshop whoops forgot to change that heh

[@martinveale3239]

A brilliant piece of problem solving and engineering. Well done sir!

[@Nordster]

thanks for not disabling comments. youtube thinks that disabling comments and not saying a word that causes demonetization makes the video for kids and disabling the miniplayer

[@gallagherrides28]

I don’t care what people thing or say about this. But this dude made something insane. I never thought it could be done. But they did it.

[@peregreena9046]

When the clutch decouples for shifting down gear, the torque goes to zero and the mechanism goes into shift up mode. There is a delay because the mechanism takes some time to go from down to up shifting. Only when the down shifting is complete before the mechanism is into up shifting mode, the shift is successful. So a further delay would make downshifting more reliable. It could be done with a directional friction brake on the gear selector wheel. Or maybe freeze the gear selector in place until the shift has completed.

[@keithklassen5320]

That was my thought as well.

[@Destroier534]

I thought of that at first as well, but the gear selector is directly linked to the shifter, so if you freeze it or delay it, it also freezes or delays the shift, so it wouldn't work. It only works now because the gear selector can sometimes get enough momentum to go through the whole shift, even though the torque is zero (it helps that there is only a small part in the cycle where it's really decoupled). You would need to either make it easier for it go get the momentum it needs, or decouple the gear selector from the shifter and add some sort of locking mechanism to force it to remain at one of the 4 positions. Then, depending on how you do it, adding the freeze to the gear selector would work. I have no idea how to do all that with lego, though, at least on that size.

[@jessicacopeland1644]

Great video! Shift solution: PRE-SELECT CIRCUIT (same method used in automotive automatics) It helps to have two tension loads, but you can do it with the one. 1st- adjust the shift mechanism to operate at a higher tension on the rubber band (this would be the same as increasing line pressure in a hydraulically controlled transmission) 2- separate your up/down shift linkages and circuits 3- use coilover shock pieces, or two pulleys and another rubber band for secondary/auxiliary energy storage, with a ratchet mechanism to contain it until the shift is required 5- can either use cams (as you used for shift circuits) or any other type of rapid release mechanism to release energy from the auxiliary so the the full engagement is made independently from input rotation. This would be similar to a ratchet shifter used in cheap drag cars. The other option would be either a dual clutch mechanism, or spring loaded bending type ratchet engagement. In the latter, you replace the clutches with ratchet mechanisms (free rotation in one direction, engaged in the other). You can use a simple rocker mechanism to switch between the two. Be sure to have the input side with a spring pretension to alleviate hard shifts or skipped shifts (and associated gear damage).

[@sudo-gera]

Idea: increace speed in 4 times before 90° speed tester and then decreace in 4 times before exit. You can use other constant instead if 4 but in case of using this idea you should make tester softer in 4 times. This idea will take less time to switch speed

[@bjornihlar]

That gearbox is pure genius - even it would not solve the job alone in a car. Genius! Beautiful!

[@therealcellycarello5031]

This just pops up in my recommended

[@ragsixracing]

This was awesome. Technic kits were so much fun as a kid! It's staggering how far they have come.

[@theterrifictrio5514]

Can't wait for 16 speed transmission that's so automatic you don't need to build it

[@davthenub]

motor: am i a joke to you

[@tisaconundrum]

You could chain 4 of these suckers together and that could be a 16 speed

[@EJM07]

@@tisaconundrum actually you only need 2 for 16

[@sugyananand4339]

@@tisaconundrum that would be a 256 gear trans ,lol...hmm comming to think of it, I wonder how it would behave

[@michaelmoronez5980]

I will immediately install this to replace that horrible RoadRanger Tranny in my Peterbilt. Don't care if it voids my warranty. It's Lego.

[@Yusuf-hi8nj]

Hello. I started watching your channel when I got interested in LEGO about 2 years ago. I just want to thank you for all the awesome videos you have been uploading! Your videos are very informative and I learn a lot from them.

[@dogechannel9933]

Hey! Long time viewer, first time comment. Might I suggest moving the shifting mechanism to the input side? It theoretically should be able to keep engaged at all times, and hopefully run smoothly! I will try and experiment at home with some ideas for making your mechanism smoother, and let you know if I find anything. I built your 3 speed transmission and removed the limiting 5 stud liftarm to allow it to have a "Neutral" position (Needed for a moc I'm working on) but I thought it might be interesting to make it an automatic transmission. I got my parts from lego and built it today, so again when I get more time I'll try and experiment with your automatic trans :) On a side note, the reason I decided to modify your 3 speed to be 3 + N is because the powerhouse is a Pneumatic Engine made with the lego fake engines. I've come to near perfection with it's design and hope to upload some videos shortly (on alt account) to show it's speed! It's not super torquey but it is fast, faster than most LPE's I've seen, and very compact. (Currently attempting to fit it into the Dom's Dodge Charger, by replacing the V8 inside it with my own. It will hopefully run with the trans in it too!)

[@keithklassen5320]

Putting the tension system on the input side would result in inaccurate sensing because the shifts would affect the tension then. Every time it shifted down, tension would let off, and it would shift back up, increasing tension, shifting back down, back and forth.

[@dogechannel9933]

@@keithklassen5320 Yeah, that's more or less the point. I tried it myself and it worked much smoother with shifting because it had a constant input. It did shift up and down, but it was relatively smooth and took a lot of torque off the motor.

[@turbobrown1]

Did something similar about 25 years ago. Mine was 2 speed and used a centrifugal clutch to "sense" input speed. Lower input speed meant lower gear so it started in low gear and shifted up as speed increases. If you use a Lego differential like you have for your load sensor for each hear,your shift mechanism just needs to stop the differential cage to engage a particular ratio. If you amplify the speed of the cage by gearing up,the torque to stop the cage comes down so you avoid all the gear crunching. Awesome build dude!

[@thatmcgamer3106]

I always thought the resetting would be difficult, turns out just use that mechanism you made. And a rubberband

[@gregorychenault609]

I want one! My first thought was...this is exactly what I'd like to see as a LEGO kit. The play features on this thing are phenomenal! No doubt the sales market would be small, but that doesn't keep me from wanting it.

[@Dadudi]

Wow, impressive!

[@brandonclements7875]

I am just proud of myself for making a frame able to hold gears together to turn an axle. But this takes it to a whole new level.... I would love to see a fully functional car with this transmission and can drive on a motor and everything. Keep up the good work!

[@Diov514]

Who needs porn when you have a Lego "Technic Automatic 4-speed Transmission"

[@lukewatson8848]

My proudest fap.

[@redstonegod296]

@@lukewatson8848 index finger » ok sign

[@barryamorris]

Wow! So cool! I used to (and still do now I’m 40) absolutely love Lego engineering projects like this!!

[@clevmagyk770]

this is awesome! how about using a different type of rubber band to adjust how much resistance is needed to shift it?

[@djwhu77]

Amazing how compact you’ve managed to make it. Amazing

[@firefly2472]

Thats realy nice dude

[@amgc1978]

Ingenious and an interesting problem to resolve! I hope the LEGO group gets inspired enough to offer its fans products that match the potential you demonstrate.

[@tamaslapsanszki8744]

That one downvote is from a LEGO Friends fan

[@Durzy007]

And rest from a duplo fans!

[@raphrath8561]

@@Durzy007 dont dis the duplo community they dont take it lightly

[@kstepney0809]

Great work. Very nice design. You should be proud. Our world has so much potential if we all focused our energy towards creativity. Keep up the good work. You are an inspiration.

[@franzar9648]

Epic

[@leocalves]

I can't add on your project. Just wanna say that it's beyond impressive.

[@CTEl7ALLlKA]

This is *AAAAAHUUUUUEEEEENNOOOOOOOO!!1*

[@alessandrotorboli3782]

Welp, that's the coolest Lego mechanism I've ever seen on KZbin.

[@randymarsh5088]

Incredible work you’ve done here . Really impressed with the lever/rubber band kickdown mechanism .

[@osdickson]

And I've been told that resistance is futile, obviously not! Another great build and thank you for sharing!

[@Mtaalas]

The idea with the rubber band was quite genious :D The differential is quite obvious, that's the whole point of differential, to measure difference between two outputs (or inputs or any combination for that matter) and covert that difference into a mechanical signal to an output to do something. :)

[@phil.i.am2]

This exactly what kids need, to help them learn about real life mechanics👌🏼 impressive stuff well done 👍🏼

[@ArsMan064sLegoTechnicCreations]

Shifting mechanism is pretty genius, nice work!

[@jacquesmertens3369]

Thumbs up for your brilliant design. Thumbs up also for your modesty.

[@gianfavero]

That's impressive. I'm sure you will find the way to make it smoother

[@javeronh.3996]

Way better than one I made a long time ago. Granted I didn’t have or know about the gears with the slip sleeve but my best attempt was one that used a centrifugal clutch to move a screw mechanism to shift. Only shifted up though. AMAZING AND BRILLIANT WORK!!

[@Pisco_nam]

I've been subscribed since some years now and it's great to see you always come up with new creations, this is brilliant! I've had this idea with the differential and I'm amazed you perfectioned and shre it.

[@Willy_Boa]

Great job I never knew this would even be a possibility in the world of LEGO

[@mrkykun3985]

This is really interesting, it's very similar to what I do in countless sandbox games where I try to replicate complex mechanisms such as a transmission. Good job on the transmission! Seems like it works very well!

[@ArcheanCanadian1983]

Very cool. I could watch the shifting over and over😍

[@skateordie9628]

I have no idea how this works and even less of an idea on how to improve it. But i LOVED IT!

[@lmcgillet]

Not that I just found out, but again: You are a genius and I love your review videos and your own creations.

[@pawfan]

I remember fiddling with Lego gears back in the first generation set 1969. I am glad to see that Lego is putting out more stuff to mess with these day...Though a bit higher in price than back in the 60s and early 70s.

[@cuthbertallgood7781]

I love that cam-clutch. Very, very clever.

[@johnjohnsandoval]

Idk why but this is the cutest video I've seen

[@RoVanRooster]

Impressive! Greetings from an Automotive Engineer from Berlin, Germany.

[@andreazanardi294]

What the actual fuck this is brilliant! I would've never thought of using a differential to shift. You're a genius.

[@runningwithscissors7715]

im going to build the gearbox about 3 times larger (3d print the parts ) and attach it to my nephews power wheels car....its a great idea and yes maybe i might just electronically control it if its not working properly in larger format..(by using an Arduino) ...thank you so much for all your expertise....you are a great inventor!

[@alexandernotchappleseed9965]

That's badass and smart with the rubber band resistance shifting

[@thejafuu5001]

Shifts seem quite slow, but also very smooth and cool mechanism. Propably best lego gearbox I've seen.

[@ronroyal3606]

Man, you are just a fuc*ing genius...keep up the good work, well done

[@techniclylego3563]

That's really impressive. I love the design.

[@AlhayezRC]

That is truly remarkable Sariel, amazing work!

[@pelochobros7895]

The use of that rubber band makes it harder to go to 1st with the first obstacle. This makes it the first automatic gearbox make with lego that really works! Awesome! I'd love to have the necesary pieces to work on it and refine it

[@swagie_]

Not the first automatic gearbox but the 1st with 4 speeds, and it is very compact comparing to the old 2 speed made before

[@pelochobros7895]

@@swagie_ I meant the first that stop shifting gears just by a bit of friction, it can be usable

[@jamesgrim8606]

Now that's the most impressive automatic Lego car ever a true work of art

[@yumyum7309]

Sariel, since years I'm watching you... You are officially the beastest moc creator ever. You have 400IQ....no doubt. Keeg going... And greetings from France😜

[@michaelvaliquette9743]

I think if you move the anchor point for the rubber band further away and add a second rubber band to the first (in series, not parallel) you can prevent the tension rise from exponentially increasing so quick. This should aid in smoother and quicker shifting, especially in to the lower gears. Awesome work!

[@GJBricks]

That is bloody clever and brilliantly simple all at once.. Thanks for sharing this

[@yahyadiaa9679]

This should get a lot more attention

[@Dont_Gnaw_on_the_Kitty_1]

Amazing. Maybe an area for improvement, the rubber band controling the downshifts looks to provide non linear resistance. If the crank throw was shorter the rubber band would operate in a more linear region. Outstanding Lego engineering.

[@zeeshannandi2604]

the music is transending me to another dimension !

[@sylentxtinction2097]

This is possibly the most compact solution I've seen.

[@T--fw6fq]

Thats the kind of thing i have been waitin for for more than 5 years now...

[@arnaudn.5675]

I ended up there due to the "lost on the Internet" syndrom but that was mind boggling. Congrats on that gearbox, even if not super reliable !

[@uknowngamer1017]

This makes me want to get back into prototyping so much. Thank you greatly

[@Justsgerman]

I love how you use the diff and the lever!

[@dominichadley2712]

You should put a Park and a Neutral Gear in there too! Make it a fully Controllable Automatic Transmission, I also like how that rubber band almost seemed to act like a Torque Converter too allowing for the motor to continue rotating as it stopped

[@MrBrander]

The keyword in improving this is: Overlapping. You need two separate mechanisms which overlap with each other in terms of functions. The other mechanism needs to be engaged while the other mechanism is shifting and is not capable of transfering power. When the other mechanism has stopped shifting and is capable of transfering power again, the other mechanism needs to disconnect so it doesn't mess with the other mechanism. Or maybe even have these two mechanisms have same gear ratios so it doesn't matter if they both are engaged at the same time all the time or not. However, the other mechanism's activation force needs to be lower so it starts shifting a bit earlier than the other mechanism. This way the first mechanism is engaged and the second is in neutral position. Then the first is in neutral position and second is engaged and then finally first is engaged with the second mechanism with same gear ratios in both mechanisms.