SCI FI Channel Challenges Viewers to Make a Cylon

Forget building a better mousetrap, DVICE, SCIFI.COM and MAKE Magazine want you to build a better Cylon!

Here’s the scoop:

Originally created by the people of the Twelve Colonies, “Cylons” are intelligent robots initially used as slaves and soldiers to fight humanity’s wars. But they evolved. And then they rebelled. They launched a devastating nuclear attack on the Colonies that nearly wiped out the human race. Now the crew of the Battlestar Galactica fights to defend the last remnants of humanity from the Cylon enemy.

Humans who dare not learn from this history can enter the contest on SCIFI.COM. Using whatever materials they choose – blinking lights for eyes, metal armor for a costume, actual toasters, etc. – entrants must build a physical machine (no Photoshop or images will be accepted). The new Cylons may be of the humanoid or robotic variety. If their creations do not lead to the near destruction of the human race, contestants may win Battlestar Galactica-related prizes and possibly have their Cylon appear on SCI FI Channel. The contest will run through early June.

Battlestar stars Tricia Helfer and Grace Park – the world’s most famous Cylons – will determine whose machine is worthy to be called Cylon.

You can get all the details for the contest at DVICE, along with weekly tips to help you create your own race that could ultimately destroy the world. . . or at least win you a cool box set prize.

SCI FI Channel Photo: Zoic Studios