Here's how to build simple animatronics using inexpensive hobby servos and the MAKE controller kit. I wanted to keep this as simple as possible so there is no programming required and the electronics are kept to a minimum so that anyone should be able to do this with a minimum of tools and experience.
I wanted to create a animatronic head for a costume I'm constructing. I wanted it to be entirely self contained- no exposed wires, etc. and unlike many animatronics used in movies, I didn't want to use radio control due to complexity/control issues. I also couldn't afford a commercial animatronics controller.
Enter the MAKE controller! This piece of hardware allows you to connect readily available hobby servos (as well as motors, lights, etc.) to simple analog input devices (I'm using flex sensors) to control movements. I have this set up running the controller in POLY mode, which doesn't require any computer programming and is very easy to configure. Of course you can always program the controller later on to maximize its potential- it's a pretty amazing piece of hardware.
Here's what the finished animatronic armature looks like (it's mounted to an old welding helmet as a test rig) along with a movie clip and what the finished costume will look like- it's a Horus guard from Stargate.
Here's a video of it working-
There are a ton of possibilities using this controller for animatronics:
Make a Predator costume with animatronic head and shoulder cannon
Build a giant dinosaur with a moveable head, eyes and tail that reacts to movements or goes through a pre programmed routine
Create interactive displays and haunted house attractions
Follow along and I'll show how the mechanism for the Horus head is constructed and maybe you'll be inspired to create your own animatronics....
UPDATE: Makingthings.com, the manufacturer of the MAKE controller has removed the POLY mode firmware necessary for this instructable from their website and it no longer is included in the firmware for the controller. If I can find an earlier version of the firmware necessary I'll post it here. They have also removed all tutorials regarding the POLY functions. Bummer. I have started working with the Arduino platform due to it's lower cost, smaller size and ease of use and have created another animatronics tutorial here:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Arduino-animatronics-make-your-awesome-costumes-m/
I wanted to create a animatronic head for a costume I'm constructing. I wanted it to be entirely self contained- no exposed wires, etc. and unlike many animatronics used in movies, I didn't want to use radio control due to complexity/control issues. I also couldn't afford a commercial animatronics controller.
Enter the MAKE controller! This piece of hardware allows you to connect readily available hobby servos (as well as motors, lights, etc.) to simple analog input devices (I'm using flex sensors) to control movements. I have this set up running the controller in POLY mode, which doesn't require any computer programming and is very easy to configure. Of course you can always program the controller later on to maximize its potential- it's a pretty amazing piece of hardware.
Here's what the finished animatronic armature looks like (it's mounted to an old welding helmet as a test rig) along with a movie clip and what the finished costume will look like- it's a Horus guard from Stargate.
Here's a video of it working-
There are a ton of possibilities using this controller for animatronics:
Make a Predator costume with animatronic head and shoulder cannon
Build a giant dinosaur with a moveable head, eyes and tail that reacts to movements or goes through a pre programmed routine
Create interactive displays and haunted house attractions
Follow along and I'll show how the mechanism for the Horus head is constructed and maybe you'll be inspired to create your own animatronics....
UPDATE: Makingthings.com, the manufacturer of the MAKE controller has removed the POLY mode firmware necessary for this instructable from their website and it no longer is included in the firmware for the controller. If I can find an earlier version of the firmware necessary I'll post it here. They have also removed all tutorials regarding the POLY functions. Bummer. I have started working with the Arduino platform due to it's lower cost, smaller size and ease of use and have created another animatronics tutorial here:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Arduino-animatronics-make-your-awesome-costumes-m/
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Signing UpStep 1: Materials and tools
Materials:
Hobby servos- I'm using Hitec HS 300 and HS 605BB standard size servos. Many standard size servos are available on eBay for under $10 each.
MAKE controller kit- available from Making Things: http://www.makingthings.com
Materials for armature- I use printed circuit boards (PCB's) for the main construction along with some plywood, brass and aluminum.
Power source- I use a 9.6V battery to power the controller and a 4.8V battery to power the servos.
22ga wire- three seperate colors are needed
Flex sensors- these are available from Jameco (part #150551): http://www.jameco.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&productId=150551
Miscellaneous hardware- brass hinges, small screws/bolts, zip ties, heat shrink tubing
Miscellaneous servo hardware: http://dubro.com/hobby
Tools:
Dremel tool or saw to cut servo mounting boards and aluminum
Drill bits
Tap to cut threads in aluminum
Soldering iron/solder
Multimeter
Small phillips screwdriver
Wire cutters
Hobby servos- I'm using Hitec HS 300 and HS 605BB standard size servos. Many standard size servos are available on eBay for under $10 each.
MAKE controller kit- available from Making Things: http://www.makingthings.com
Materials for armature- I use printed circuit boards (PCB's) for the main construction along with some plywood, brass and aluminum.
Power source- I use a 9.6V battery to power the controller and a 4.8V battery to power the servos.
22ga wire- three seperate colors are needed
Flex sensors- these are available from Jameco (part #150551): http://www.jameco.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&productId=150551
Miscellaneous hardware- brass hinges, small screws/bolts, zip ties, heat shrink tubing
Miscellaneous servo hardware: http://dubro.com/hobby
Tools:
Dremel tool or saw to cut servo mounting boards and aluminum
Drill bits
Tap to cut threads in aluminum
Soldering iron/solder
Multimeter
Small phillips screwdriver
Wire cutters
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I have a project on hand and would like to discuss with you, can you call me (Harry) at 340-513-1995.
See the video over at YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKf9VMGt540
The Arduino Nano and Fio both have eight analog inputs and the Mega has even more but it's much more expensive. The Fio is the only Arduino that has eight analog inputs that costs under $30.
There's a spreadsheet here that shows all the different Arduino versions-
http://jmsarduino.blogspot.com/2009/03/comprehensive-arduino-compatible.html
I've actually already designed an animatronic Predator head (I haven't yet built it) so if you need help with it let me know. I'll have my Arduino animatronics tutorial up soon- I'm just putting the finishing touches on all the code examples and organizing all the photos, etc. It's going to be a fun one!
I am almost finished writing all the code for my Arduino animatronics tutorial and I've designed a board that will allow you to connect six bend sensors to six servos (amongst other things) so stay tuned!
As for some help with the Horus you may want to have a look here:
http://skipspepakuracostumes.blogspot.com/2008_06_01_archive.html
This guy does unbelievable work!
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=5355459&l=3d1b1a886a&id=642109656
It didn't win any prizes, but it was popular at the Swancon Masquerade.
About a week later it almost got destroyed when a car crashed into our house.
My latest project was an flexing tongue for another costume using an Arduino, cheaper, smaller and less power hungry.
Thanks for a great Instructable.
Bend sensors can get pretty noisy, especially when you have to use them with long wires. I've redesigned my Horus control system to be wireless using the Arduino platform.
how much should the total price be around.
Servos can be purchased for around $10 or so unless you need a servo that is very fast or strong. The MAKE controller with application board costs $109. Lately I've been using the Arduino platform, which is much easier (for me) to use and is significantly less expensive. When I finish the Stargate helmet project that is what I'll be using.
Thanks =)