Digital Puppetry: What is a Waldo and Why Do I Need One?

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I want to control my animatronic characters as efficiently as possible and while it would be nice to use 3D animation software or other platforms to create custom animations, that's still waaaay too tedious, so today I'm building a remote manipulator, commonly known as a Waldo after an invention from a 1942 short story by Robert Heinlein. This is specifically designed to help me animate my build of Wheatley from Portal 2, but it's a general purpose device that I can use to bring other characters like my build of GLaDOS, Claptrap, Rosie the Robot, or GIR back to life.
Here's the sensor I used: www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/...
Follow me on Instagram: / mr.v0lt

[@Googolplexed]

This controller being made of tons of wires and a hanging pile of inset rings just screams Aperture engineering. God I love it so much, just looking at it makes me smile. You truly are the last surviving Aperture employee

[@TiffanyElectricity]

I've always wanted to see Wheatley created in real life, this is incredible and so are you Mr. Volt!

[@MrVolt]

I can't wait to share the finished version. Thank you Tiffany!

[@Car-rim2010]

Hey wait you’re that girl that made the portal rp on roblox sad to see not many people play it anymore

[@SusDoctor]

You know theres alot of videos on making cores Its acually fully possible

[@PeteWondersWhyHisNameIsSoLong]

Maybe considering a tutorial of how to build wheatley? Even if it is too expensive you should put a disclaimer of some sort

[@Doorjelly]

A soundboard of sorts would be really cool. You could possibly add buttons on the hand pinch part or make it so the left hand can be moved in different directions for different voice lines.

[@MrVolt]

Great idea! I think buttons where my fingertips rest there would work out well.

[@janmorosesteban3785]

We appreciate you too! You are one of the few youtube channels I have notifications on, I really enjoy your content and I love keeping track of it!

[@MrVolt]

Thanks so much Jan!

[@filosofo_vassao]

Adjust the eyelid hand motion, at the moment you need to stretch your fingers back so it can open the top eyelid all the way. So to fix it I think you should make it so when your finger are straight the eyelid is all the way open and when your fingers are down it is closed It's like calibration so it fits your hand anatomy

[@MrVolt]

Definitely need a lot more refinement! This was basically the first working test since I had to get this out on time.

[@time_null]

whoa this is just amazing, I wonder why this isn't on top trend youtube videos

[@MrVolt]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@tylerhawkins6967]

A is an electronic telemetric input device Muppeteers use to remotely perform characters. Shaped like a Muppet's head, the waldo sends radio signals to a mechanism in the puppet that moves the puppet's mouth in sync with the waldo's mouth. Waldos are sometimes used in conjunction with a computer interface that provides enhanced control of the puppet. And I demonstrates the Henson Digital Performance System.

[@zephyreon4]

This is so incredible! Using a Waldo instead of hand animating everything is such a good idea!

[@Grckle]

Love your videos, keep doing what you love and I'm sure we'll keep enjoying the ride!

[@CaptainTak]

On the topic of translating computer animation to the real life animatronic, if you end up adding that to the newest model I think it'd be interesting to extract some of Wheatley's animations from Portal 2 and playing them on the actual robot.

[@ParodieHecker-mobile]

This is incredible and should definitely be trending!

[@godlugner5327]

Hell yeah love when I see your channel uploaded a new video! Never disappoints

[@linkgamer256]

the idea of digital puppetry like this is so cool ! first time ive seen anything like this. awesome work :)

[@notpartially_mist76]

That was a really smart idea, good thinking Mr. Volt!

[@PamelaCristinaBuss]

This is alredy looking so good!

[@pnwscitech1589]

Thats cool! I didnt know the history or what that type of apparatus was even called.

[@MrVolt]

Glad I could share this then :)

[@othmanekaidi8]

You're the man pal, you got one more fan here, good continuation!

[@Zerophil_]

This is sooooo cool. i wanna be able to make stuff as good as you. Love your content.

[@MrVolt]

Thanks Zerophil! If you're really curious, check out learn.adafruit.com/ if you're interested in electronics. This is one of the best places to learn and they have tons of tutorials for all skill levels.

[@dustlight3536]

The things you do are incredible, keep it up!

[@MrVolt]

Thank you very much!

[@Gr33kChief]

This concept is mind blowing

[@ryanr3737]

This is such a cool build. Love the re-purposed 3d printer frame.

[@brodetim9153]

I have to say one thing, your work is amazing!

[@Jason-xl8fm]

Great video, really like the effort you’ve put in from feedback.

[@MrVolt]

I appreciate you noticing haha

[@bittersweetvictory8541]

this is great!! it makes things like the classic RC plane controller easier to understand (even if you’re entirely circumventing the need for it) as a puppeteering device for people who...well have only ever worked hand puppets. if only puppeteering was taught regularly in college, working with partially automated puppets has always been super interesting to me

[@Car-rim2010]

Wheatley looks so cool so far keep up the good work! 🙂👍

[@andywhite6078]

Love these videos! Please keep it up!

[@MrVolt]

Thanks! Will do!

[@ultmatepotato]

You are a living aperture scientist. Amazing job

[@williambeswick2411]

maybe after going wireless, add a camera in the eye and a wireless mic and speaker. then you go full Wheatly and cam use it to remotely talk to people. maybe even make it your new door camera.

[@nerdaxic]

I like your build-style, you get a lot of stuff done and working! Better to try a lot of things and fail quickly, than spend a lot of time on something that fails anyway. My issue where I always get stuck with details and project is never completed. Keep up the good work, I always get good ideas how to solve the mechanical problems for your videos, love to see moving bits!

[@portalpat42]

Hi DJ, I love your videos!!! I have an idea, for your Waldo!!! Why not use foot pedals to free up your hands of too many axes, and perform the puppeteering in a seated position? I'm no engineer, so it may be a terrible idea, but I thought I'd throw it out there in hopes you see it! Thanks for taking time out of your day to read this!

[@MrVolt]

I hadn't even considered foot pedals. Brilliant idea! That would add so many more control options to free up my hands :D

[@catssstyeyoutube1331]

Actually I’m starting up my own channel it will be my character forever Mr. volit You’re incredible I believe you could do more things even make a full body suit of Waldo believe it you could do it

[@DaMeowsy]

Ima give it a try

[@w3z315]

How do you "only" have 46k subs? You deserve millions!! :) I love it.

[@Certawin]

Neat design for puppeteering. Guess no one can ask where's Waldo anymore. Lol Mr Volt has him for remote puppeteering. Curious your main attachment points to the frame I think it was just two. Maybe for more stability. Attach 4 arms in a X fashion to the frame. And aluminum base ring. Then attach an arm to the top of the frame. In a T fashion that extends out over Waldo. And use shock cord or some elastic. To give Waldo some support. And still give you a good range of motion. I don't know if that will help. But hopefully it gives you a direction to think about. Looking forward to seeing how this improves your projects.

[@MrVolt]

Thanks! The design definitely need improvement. I appreciate the feedback

[@MyMineCREATIONS]

Hey Mr. Volt, brilliant work! I have one suggestion for Waldo. Maybe you should try using Force Sensing resistors or some kind of tensometric sensors for easier control of those hand flaps? This should theoretically give more accuracy to eyelid movements.

[@MrVolt]

Thank you! They're pretty accurate, but I haven't done any acceleration tuning for the motor control or really dialed in the mappings for the sensors, so still lots of room for smoother and easier control

[@currenluft1680]

Nice😁 Reminds me of cats & dogs, the movie from 2001. If I remember right, In the behind the scenes. There was some Waldo puppeteering for some of the animals, almost exactly like what your doin for Wheatley👌

[@Coffee2clutch]

We appreciate you too, this is great content, keep it up.

[@MrVolt]

Thanks Coffee2Clutch!

[@alessassela7691]

You are someone to support in his weird but freaking cool inventions

[@MrVolt]

Thanks Alessandro!

[@a531016]

Epic build, very good explainer video too. Also loved the use of the "advertising section" time bar!!! Am I right in saying your Waldo is essentially 1:1 for the actuators? Would it be more flexible if you built a multipurpose Waldo and IK to the model you are controlling (I say that like I understand how to do any of these things)?

[@SarahKchannel]

I would use an nRF24L01 or the likes for radio / wireless control over Bluetooth. In my experience easier to code and much bigger / stable range. The nRFs come with on board antenna or external one... I am currently running something that does 300ft / 100m without issues - not the greatest speed at that distance, but still.

[@24-7-testing]

Very neat! I'd never heard of the term 'Waldo' before, but I've seen those type of puppeteering rigs before. Good idea! I just settled for a PS3 controller for my Wheatley lol. Someday I'd love to pick your brain on figuring out how to map a Stewart Platform's motion to a 2 axis joystick, if you're ever available to chat. Keep up the amazing work!

[@MrVolt]

I'm happy to chat about mechanics. Hit me up on instagram

[@dorkhydrogen]

You've quadtrupled your subs since I started watching you, Good job.

[@MrVolt]

Thanks! Yeah, it's been a good few months of growth :)

[@joshgray1331]

Where to purchase? Very cool!!!

[@kayezero703]

nice i like it

[@ilikecheetos912]

This is the same type of device used to animate "Cain" in Robocop 2

[@MegaGoldone]

You need to use metal geared servos that can handle higher levels of torque. Like reef rc servos. Their expensive but worth it.

[@Mysendell]

next thing you know you're fighting a mantis-man army in an underground facility

[@MrVolt]

Someday...

[@Sketchy_Dood]

Lol so we got like pacific rim type device to control Wheatley?! awesome!

[@MrVolt]

10mil sub DIY Jaeger special

[@EmmysVerySeriousVideos]

Could you use the Waldo and record its outputs to kind of make pre-made animations with it ?

[@lukewarm3969]

I like ur stuff big guy

[@MrVolt]

Thanks!

[@Alien3000]

0:30 "...and I'm beginning my journey into animatronics..." *intense FNaF flashbacks*

[@milesperry5933]

Awesome build. do you have the name of the sensor you used I would like to look up there specs.

[@MrVolt]

Thanks! I added a link in the description now :)

[@alan_decker]

I’ve literally been watching you for a whole year, but just found out I haven’t subscribed to you yet… I’m still questioning how I miss this

[@MrVolt]

:O

[@alan_decker]

@@MrVolt at least I’m subscribed now though

[@mr.x2567]

I thought by Waldo, you meant this muppet show cgi character called Waldo C. Graphic, he was introduced to show of advances in CGI tech on a show that wasn’t received well

[@MrVolt]

Huh, despite my love of Muppets, I hadn't heard of this character before. Neat!

[@markhenning2813]

With this system can you play back the movements you made?

[@spencerkr5778]

Those shaft ends with clamps on them-- did you have to machine those or are they something I could find off the shelf?

[@MrVolt]

Nope! Those are called shaft collars. They're off-the-shelf :)

[@tayronrenkanyanunggun2961]

Mr. Volt, what kind of robot that you will make next after you completely making your animatronic Wheatley?

[@MrVolt]

I want to say, but I also want to make sure I can keep the promise. But I will say that it's going to be much more complex than Wheatley and my GLaDOS head combined ;)

[@tayronrenkanyanunggun2961]

@@MrVolt Ok 🗿

[@ge2719]

really cool. build. though i think theres better ways to do a lot of the control youre trying to get. like you said around 10:00 a thumbstick. but also dont be afraid to separate the control out. you cant pitch and roll and control mutliple axis with two parts of one of your arms, so maybe make a controller for each hand, and some of the simpler controls for the feet too to separate everything out more rather than all being on one arm. there also an interesting behind the scenes video of the jim hensen digital puppeteering they are working on that shows some interesting designs of their controllers. though im guessing you may have already seen that :P

[@MrVolt]

Thanks! Definitely still lots of progress to be made. For lack of time, I haven't covered it, but in my latest Wheatly pt 5 video, the waldo is improved to a symmetrical, dual-hand version that gives me yaw/pitch/roll/ and upper/lower hand controls, so now I've got a comfortable 10 DoF controller that is much more ergonomic. I'm going to cover it more in the final video. I've definite dived into the Jim Hensen rabbit hole before. What really inspires me now is this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXW8YYqBq6uqh5o

[@ge2719]

@@MrVolt yeah, lot of coll stuff behind the making of those doc oc arms. just curious, how have you found those rotary position sensors have held up? i was thinking about a build using just the regular pots but smaller components like those would be better, any issues with them using them for this application?

[@arcticserpent]

@Mr.Volt Why not just mo-cap? It seems like the rigging is too bulky for its own good. If you stick with this, you'll likely need something heavier than just wood, since the lightness of the wood really seems to be making fine movement impossible. If it was a heavier material, it would naturally give more resistance, and thus fine movements would be easier. I still believe mo-cap would work better.

[@pilhei]

I'd love to see a full body stop-motion doll that controls 3d characters in blender like this

[@memetech-]

Cool… haven’t seen the video yet but I want to make a robot like this!

[@Jabutimado]

ur 1st lol

[@memetech-]

@@Jabutimado yay!

[@memetech-]

I’m planning on having big comments on KZbin to further spread my channel

[@josebagotiiglesias9556]

que maquina ¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ grande¡¡¡¡¡¡

[@ms.pirate]

I'm trying to see the videos of your fictional robot characters to life, but idk if you didn't make em or did you delete/private them?

[@keygantechtips7660]

Would you be down to make 343 guilty spark

[@dapotato175]

I refuse to believe you aren’t a Aperture engineer from a universe where portal 2 genuinely exists

[@convolution223]

what's the component called that takes the input?

[@Shadow__X]

So that's where waldo's name comes from in black mirror

[@TheTidsy1]

Volt, I'm currently wanting to use the same position sensors as you for a project of mine (EVW-AE4001B14) but I can't figure out how you connected it to the wires?

[@MrVolt]

Theyre potentiometers. One side to your VCC, the middle is the analog signal, and the other side connects to GND.

[@TheTidsy1]

@@MrVolt did you solder each pin onto a wire?

[@chungngaiwing4854]

He’s gonna end up making the portal facility bro

[@robotswithryan8348]

Local maker purchases salt mine. Claims it's for "science"

[@robotswithryan8348]

Seriously though excellent work Mr Volt.

[@TheBird..]

Digital puppetry is actually how “Dog Of Wisdom” was animated

[@MrVolt]

That's a good wisdom!

[@TheZiiFamily]

11:23 what the song?

[@TimoIvvie]

I can’t do shit with machines, so looking at this surprises me so damn much.

[@w4rr10r11]

Here i thought you named it off the Black Mirror episode "Waldo Moment" but turns out Waldo Moment was named after a real term lol.

[@festeradams3972]

That you knew that Robert A. Heinlein first coined the term earns you a like for this :-)

[@jcreates9439]

what if you recorded animations with the waldo, so you dont have to constantly use the waldo

[@MrVolt]

That's the idea :) Basically I can trigger sounds+animations at the push of a button eventually.

[@char44able]

i know you said you wanted to be solo, but if you ever wanted help, try asking micheal reeves. he knows alot about python, servos, all that stuff

[@marivicespinosa5860]

boys, we did it. We found Waldo.

[@genespect8175]

How can I build stuff like this

[@MrVolt]

Start small and build things you're interested in :) Check out learn.adafruit.com/ if you're curious about electronics. This is one of the best places to learn and they have tons of tutorials for all skill levels.

[@AreThereGhostsOnMars]

What if you recorded the code resulting from the puppetry, and reused it to make each motion happen whenever you want without having to puppet it?

[@MrVolt]

You've got the right idea! Eventually I should be able to just choose a voice clip and have the animations play simultaneously with no work on my part.

[@AreThereGhostsOnMars]

@@MrVolt awesome! I didn’t think of linking the voice clips and actions together, that’s brilliant!

[@friedchicken3375]

I know this is your answer to my comment i just know it haha i love your channel

[@MrVolt]

Thanks Friend Chicken (not a typo)

[@MahewAaG]

i wonder if GLaDOS will work with that

[@MrVolt]

that's the goal! I want to upgrade her neck again to allow for more motion, but this can be calibrated for her too :)

[@MahewAaG]

@@MrVolt ok! i never thought you would reply but thanks! for the info

[@zacharytribou2728]

Try making the rest of glados now you have this tech

[@MrVolt]

I've got the tech, but not the space :O

[@MAYERMAKES]

everybody asks where is waldo and why is waldo, but never how is waldo....

[@-_IT_-]

Why not just use a joy to control it? I would use a flight controller. The one I have has many options on the stick.

[@MrVolt]

I need 12 analog controls to move him, so custom was easier for me.

[@boingo696]

“Where can I find a Waldo?” … “The fuck you mean you can’t tell me?” … “WHAT THE FUCK THIS HAVE TO DO WITH A BOOK ABOUT A MAN HIDING IN PUBLIC”

[@daudhtm5203]

should have used an imu instead of building the whole arm rig

[@thespecialmedic]

Puppet testing Initiative

[@scottwilliams846]

I click these videos because I find them interesting.

[@mfx1]

A servo shouldn't allow you to drive it past it's limits.

[@maxsims5379]

8:44

[@yosefdemby8792]

Used extensively by Jim Henson.

[@redfuzzyfred]

WHEATLY CRAB OR RIOT

[@TheZiiFamily]

You made grr?!

[@MrVolt]

Yep! A few years ago. I need to rebuild him though...

[@TheZiiFamily]

@@MrVolt ill buy him off you if you do that kinda thing haha

[@memetech-]

Time stamps to skip to: 8:44 The full demo time stamp so you can skip 7:50 End of the sponsorship (indicated with money) 0:00 the start. I never got to finish this comment…

[@dolphinsoup]

you might need a waldo but how are you gonna find him

[@apocryph0n]

That’s a lot of fiddly bits

[@VHSDUDE12]

This is the first video kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6ilipmDm5yLhLc

[@VHSDUDE12]

Please go to the king brothers channel making wheatley

[@MrVolt]

I"ve seen their build before. It's really cool :)

[@drbelli]

if the normal and trend is logan faking paul, Weird and absurd stuff is needed, to keep us sane, and somehow not digested as "Ew , you ancient", by the young and rude ...