Aperture Science Weighted Pivot Cube

The Weighted Pivot Cube, also known as a Discouragement Redirection Cube, is a testing element used in the Aperture Science Enrichment Center several decades after Portal, and appears in Portal 2.

Overview

 * The purpose of the Weighted Pivot Cube is solely to redirect a Thermal Discouragement Beam to achieve a set task.


 * It can also be placed upon a Super Button, like a Weighted Storage Cube, and can be propelled by Excursion Funnels.


 * Along with the Weighted Storage Cubes in the game's cooperative campaign, the Weighted Pivot Cubes are to be placed on Pressure Plates.


 * One side of the Weighted Pivot Cube has markings resembling crosshairs etched into its glass, with the other five sides bearing an unmarked glass lens.


 * When a Thermal Discouragement Beam makes contact with an unmarked side, it is redirected through the marked side.


 * According to GLaDOS, she was preparing to test the cubes for the first time shortly before Chell made her first escape.

Behind the scenes
The Weighted Pivot Cube was first introduced during the Portal ARG, in one of the ASCII art images given by the BBS, that later appeared to be a diagram depicting its use with a Thermal Discouragement Beam, as revealed by the April, 2010 issue of Game Informer. An updated and moving diagram was revealed during E3 2010.

List of appearances

 * Portal ARG
 * ApertureScience.com
 * PotatoFoolsDay ARG
 * Portal 2
 * The Final Hours of Portal 2