If you happen to have glimpsed either of the two Star Wars: Force Awakens teasers that aired over the last few weeks, then chances are, you’ve seen the new BB-8 droid. For reference, I’m talking about that soccer ball-looking droid that very obviously appeared to be computer-animated, but then turned out to be an actual remote-controlled prop when it was paraded on stage at the bi-annual Star Wars Celebration fan convention. A few days later, some glorious DIYer named Christian Poulsen created his very own RC replica.
Interesting, Disney has yet to unveil how the BB-8 was constructed, but that hasn’t stopped public speculation; many suspect the prop was an up-scaled version of the Sphero, a smartphone-controlled RC ball made by Orbotix. Unsurprisingly, Poulsen’s mini BB-8 version is also based on a hacked Sphero toy combined with polyurethane foam for the head, and a pair of 3/8” neodymium magnet rings to keep the head affixed atop the rolling sphere that serves as the body.
“As an industrial designer, I’ve been particularly fascinated by products that have personality and emotion. And I think the droids in Star Wars have always been really great at capturing a character without facial expression and drawing you in.”
Head over to Make.com for an approximate step-by-step breakdown. The project is relatively simple, provided you already possess the required materials, and there’s no programming necessary. Other than the Sphero and the two neodymium magnets, you’ll need a 3D modeling software, such as Maya or Rhino, to build the head, and a CNC milling machine to cut it out. Stencils will help replicate the exterior artwork; Poulsen laser cut his out of tape.
Source: Make.com
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