Making a BB-8 Droid Build (v1) from Star Wars

[@EXPLOSIVEXPLOSION]

I love how you explain everything very clearly

[@joelmount9791]

At just the right speed too

[@GotYourWallet]

The longer the video goes the more the truck looks like a mars rover.

[@suziebarfield1796]

And and after two hours we have Curiosity

[@SgtInvictus]

True

[@Squicx]

YOUR VOICE IS TRICKING MY MIND INTO CLEARING MY THROAT

[@RimstarOrg]

LOL!

[@lunakid12]

It actually reminded me of Christopher Walken. I was quite a bit confused when the man in the video was not him. ;)

[@Protoreon]

5:12 papier mache... did not think that in our time someone remembers this👍☺️

[@portalvt]

Ok boomer, kids nowadays still do projects with paper mache

[@finn3434]

Artem Kurbatov ok boomer

[@matilted]

Kids still do paper mache in schools from what I see? Also cosplayers do it all the time...

[@ashtoncollinsoutdoors8083]

Damn y’all need to chill, dude was just making an observation

[@isthatbraised]

@@ashtoncollinsoutdoors8083 some people see that as an insult,but then again i dont really care.

[@ronniesuperx]

I wish I had that much Free Time !

[@RimstarOrg]

+ronniesuperx Me too! I haven't been able to get back to working on this for a week and a half now!

[@superbmediacontentcreator]

+ronniesuperx I was thinking both that and what might be created not "reverse" engineered.

[@anthonygomez3045]

+RimstarOrg your a scientist you should've been hired to make it for the movie

[@clasher0880]

+Anthony Gomez no he made it with a globe

[@giankrlogk4m]

+ronniesuperx me too :(

[@poisson12376]

this is more inspiring than the professional one by James Bruton!

[@uncletacosupreme7023]

hahahaha! Bruton is a savage. His bb8s are phenomenal.

[@luminastra]

HATER

[@InnovationBlast]

I think it's really cool how you show the different version and changes you make throughout experimenting. Best of luck! :)

[@djskullboy2871]

You sir are an absolute genius 👍

[@xZerplinxProduction]

the creative way that you approach this build is simply beautiful

[@ItsJJOLO]

Your design is quite productively made. I enjoyed the fact you used some-what everyday furnitures and surroundings into such a phenomenal creation. Although, it’s persistence of speed slightly lacks, but that doesn’t matter right now. Your work is indeed, brilliant.

[@GuruBrew]

Nice try using common parts as a prototype. Cad created parts are really needed in this project to get the tight tolerances for smooth reliable operation. If it were me, I would 3D print almost everything = Lots o work :)

[@sharpchain_1862]

Yea but if you 3D print everything it will set you back about $100 dollars paying for filament

[@RimstarOrg]

+GuruBrew I still use toy truck's the RC receiver for my version 2 (video out next week, it's been a long road) and DIY dual H bridge circuits but at some point I plan on replacing both with common parts just to try them out. Version 2 still uses only a little 3D printing though: six gears, the head's radar eye and the head's holo projector. Either way you go, lot's o work :).

[@darknessblades]

@sharpchain_1 that depends on how you make the designs. you should know that with 1kg of filament (20$ per kg) you can print a huge amount of things. and since most of the prints are simple, you can cut corners by not using 100% infill and make holes to reduce filament usage. the ball cannot be 3d printed due support issues. but all main parts can be printed.

[@ddegn]

@@darknessblades "the ball cannot be 3d printed due support issues" I hope you convince you otherwise. Check my channel in a couple days. I'm working on a video about how to print a sphere in using 32 segments which support and align each other.

[@darknessblades]

@@ddegn With the current 3d printers it is possible to print it, but 2 years ago 3d printers where not as good as they where now, due there not being many Community hacks/mods created for many 3d printers

[@digitalbroadcaster]

A very good instruction you've done. Well done. And for those who have a r/c vehicle with an extra channel, the rod could be attached to an extra turning servo or geared down motor, allowing the pole to rotate, therefore allowing the external head to rotate too. Or simply use a r/c tank and turret drive and bond the head turning rod to the turret mount.

[@matilted]

I've been wanting to make a real life bb8 and I had that idea with the remote car but I didnt know if this would work... But I'm glad to see that my idea can work! Also your video is generally just so so helpful thank you for this!

[@h8GW]

If you ever decide to revisit using a similar rc truck, since there appears to be enough space, you should velcro the auxiliary battery pack under the truck and covering the original battery compartment.

[@johnmoran7996]

Now that is extremely clever.i always wondered how to get the top to stay in place as the ball moved.i love your design.keep up the good work.i just built a three foot long preying mantis from foam board and although it can't walk,too delicate,the foreclaws actually extend and contract.i made it in honor of my real mantis who just passed away last night on new years eve.good job man!😁

[@hyperspacedrifter7035]

Nice BB-8, just a quick note about doubling magnets, pole need to be ns,sn, or sn,ns if they do not want to go together then it's the right way, keeping them together is the difficult part.

[@JGunlimited]

One of the neat things about your videos is the materials you use!

[@dozi3r]

I LIVE v1 builds. Please keep doing this, if you need some extra time explain why you use nylon bolts, etc. I know it's for weight but learning about materials is cool

[@RimstarOrg]

The nylon bolts are just for weight, as you say. They tend to cost more than metal ones so it really is just for the weight. As for doing more of this, I subsequently went on to make BB-8 v2 which was a lot more successful. Here's the whole playlist for that one kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHS7eWd3g5eUpck

[@edwino1612]

You are mad smart, I’ve just seen the BB8 here in Chicago at C2E2 connection, love the video 👍🏻

[@wj3223]

That's really cool wow it's amazing how u made that

[@Critters]

More weight in the truck will let you up the magnet power / reduce the magnet distance without lifting the truck. It should also reduce wobble.

[@RimstarOrg]

+Critters The truck isn't powerful enough to move more weight. I'm working on a more powerful drive system in version 2 that also weighs more kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5i6c4ZtZdujnrs.

[@Critters]

Change those batteries from parallel to serial, what's the worst that can happen? :)

[@RichArd-vc5jp]

You sir, are a genius!

[@un0RRS]

Instead of making the head lighter, you might consider making the truck heavier, that would not only stabilize it with a heavier head, it would also improve traction. Also, instead of steel bearings you could use buckyballs, bearings made of rare earth magnets.

[@RimstarOrg]

Already done, making the truck heavier and of course switching to more powerful motors to move that heavier truck. See my video series about version 2 kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHS7eWd3g5eUpck

[@chrissexton317]

I LOVE BB-8 and your one

[@winniepooh8367]

THATS AWESOME

[@rajasgodbole1997]

Take Magnets and make a ring out of them add the ring to inside of the globe so whenever the ball rolls the head will have always a magnetic to stick to ! also using some plastic attach the motors and PCB to the plastic so you get rid of plastic body weight ! All the very best ! 😁👍👌

[@sen972]

you are so smart I don't think I would have ever thought of that good job

[@ansonkiek6471]

You got very patience on this ! Great

[@gabriellada2106]

hello my friend..!! first of all .. you video rocks!! I just write to tell you that i just fix the magnets friccion problem in a easyer way.. all you have to do, is remove the magnets from each corner. from both sides, i mean from the car table and from the cross corners in top of head.. and re installed right in the center on the center post in the car table and outside right in the middle of the cross.. ..!!! that way you will let the rollers ball run free..and never will get stuck..that will solve the fricction problem.. and you can play with the magnet inside high to get a best strength between magnets. i just did it ,and works very well.. once again thank for share you video ...hope this help

[@RimstarOrg]

+gabriel lada Really! I will try that. Thanks. Do you have two sets of magnets in the middle so that you can make the head rotate? Or does it rotate with just one set? I guess if it's a rectangular magnet then you might be able to turn it with just one magnet in the head and one inside the body.

[@RimstarOrg]

+gabriel lada I just tried it and it definitely was an improvement. Thanks! Version 2 will have this in mind. My truck is still under-powered though and gets stuck if the head magnet and the ball magnet are too close. If they're too far apart then the head falls off too easily. But it does hold on better when I get it just right. I'd love to see yours if you have any video or photos somewhere.

[@gabriellada2106]

thank you for take a minute to read my coments..!!! :) about the truck i also resolved that problem , you are right about the truck.. gets stuck if the magnets are too close.. I do solve it putting another extra couple of rollers inside the ball right where magnets were before , in the table over the mast .. that way makes pressure and push my truck the other way ..that helps me to don´t get stuck.!! hope you can try it.. i´ll send you a pics and video of mine by tomorrow.!!

[@MrCharliefreak85]

2015 - no 2016 - no 2017 - no 2018 - no 2019 - no 2020 : youtube: hey watch this!

[@arturoportillo9299]

How about shut up

[@MechDickel]

Quite creative! Extra points for the simple materials!

[@gammaechofoundationproductions]

WOW! You are the real MacGyver! You just earned a new subscriber and fan! :)

[@RimstarOrg]

+Julian Schecter Thanks! And welcome!

[@garfthesecond7609]

Dude this is sick

[@verdatum]

So this is very much like a RC device I've been designing. This might not quite work for the effect you are going for, but, another way to influence the turn capability is to attach an actuated weighted swing arm that throws the center of mass to the left or right of forward motion. Regarding the top piece, vacuform it from thin polystyrene. You know you've always wanted an excuse to build a vacuform machine.

[@RimstarOrg]

+verdatum Sound like an interesting thing your designing. Vacuforming the head is a neat idea, can give it a lot of definition. And like you say, it's an excuse to build a vacuform machine!

[@USWaterRockets]

I think you should stick with the rollers on the head but you should put two BIG magnets inside the ball and two BIG magnets on the bottom of the "head". Put the magnets close to the middle of the top of the ball and near the center of the cross you made. Use two magnets so you get a good north and south pole to keep the head pointing in the correct direction. (Or use a bar magnet on each side with the poles pointing front/back. Using a bigger magnet should give the head a lot of attraction to the body.

[@RimstarOrg]

+USWaterRockets Yeah, I'm thinking that too. Non-ferromagnetic balls and then separate magnets. I noticed that Sphero's BB-8 toy takes that approach.

[@USWaterRockets]

+RimstarOrg I just saw a video showing how the "Target Exclusive Hasbro BB-8" toy works. You might want to look at that one for inspiration. It seems to have only 2 wheels in the drive and a mast with the head and plastic bearings on the head. The 2 wheels are augmented by some "idler" bearings at the front and back. Having 2 wheels means that the drive system can rotate about the vertical axis inside the ball by driving the wheels in opposite directions. The head "points" to the "front' when the internals rotate, and so he can make 90 degree turns. It's a toy, but looks good.

[@RimstarOrg]

+USWaterRockets Thanks. Yup, I've seen that one. It's also pretty much what I have in mind so far for version 2, two wheels and my rollers (or possibly bigger ones) at front and back, and then the mast for the head. Future enhancements for the mast would be to make it able to rotate, and later still, to tilt, for full head movement. I found some drill batteries at a community garage sale this weekend and already have drill motors so the next step is to see if I can adapt my remove control receiving hardware to that. I haven't looked yet so that may be a non-starter.

[@cergesin]

You must place a strong magnet in a circle type at the bottom. So the head does not just depend on 4 points.

[@harshu6674]

Use an arduino and accelerometer to balance the head. By the way great job steve

[@dinienebicalho9720]

Eu ti quero sim bem maior grande presente só pra caixa roupa bonito a administração já a Dini assim 💵 e é quase a mesma coisa mtos

[@Instinctz313]

You are a genius...

[@DJGravitydose]

I love these videos , very easy to follow and highly intelligent , thanks!

[@ConsequenceCode]

Super mechanism

[@G_ill_iGroves-ks8vd]

I’m gonna try to build one

[@Californiagent]

Nicely done

[@egoat5082]

And great work Rimstar!

[@olivierpreziosa1707]

I love your work and very great way to share your passion !!! ... so much struggle for the top part to stay in place but, wouldn't be easier to imagine a metal bottom ball with rolling magnets on the top part that you would control the position (perhaps with little wheels on them controlled with a microcontroller ... might need some chip to know the position) ... anyhow, continue please, your work is fantastic !!!

[@RimstarOrg]

+Olivier Preziosa Thanks! I had the same idea, to use a metal bottom ball, a few days ago. Though I hadn't gone further with the idea and thought about using rolling magnets to control the head's movement. However, I did realize that you'd have to synchronize its movement somehow with the movement of the ball so that the head stays on top of the ball while the ball is rolling along. The head might also want to be sitting off center while the ball is rolling. I guess using an inertial measurement board would work. It may actually be the way the one that's used on the publicity tours is done since a recent interview said that the head is independent of the ball (www.popsci.com/qa-how-to-create-robot-icon).

[@olivierpreziosa1707]

the head is definitely independant on their prototype, even just for being able to turn, or make visual effect (as on movement the head gets independantly of the direction on the front or the back) ... but really keep up your fantastic work !! i feel great i have discovered it ... first youtube chanel i ever register ^^

[@danthegreat4053]

Nostalgic

[@jamestubridy6092]

I also paper Mache the globe so it's thicker and prevents the head from getting stuck

[@shibipaffu]

Holy shit nasa needs to hire this guy

[@bluecoconut9543]

Aww he so cut- Droid: ZA WARUDO!!!!

[@cajundude62a]

nice deal this is exactly how bb8 works something has to control it inside to make the sphere move

[@cajundude62a]

the only problem is hot glue with the wires it wastes a lot of motor power soldering is better u know something people easily get away with with in motors

[@rodgoddard5113]

You have a very creative mind,

[@mrobot5604]

you are very clever!!i'm italian...I make a r2d2...you're genius!like!

[@zodit2307]

you must continue is fabulous congratulations from spain

[@slayerBirdTHE8]

that is magic

[@dimitrinakashidze9727]

thank you! now i can do it for cheap.

[@RimstarOrg]

You're welcome. But notice that it couldn't keep a fully shaped head on. It still may work with an RC truck with a more powerful and more massive motor but I'm not certain of that. That's why I then moved on to version 2 (kzbin.info/aero/PLFsZmHTZL-zmztc_P7h2tqLxKJHu0vH1e).

[@duckpartain9462]

If I could make a suggestion a vaccuformed half circle should be light enough to stay and spin but I got no ideas howd you attach it. but its just a suggestion.

[@ExpertMinecraftgame]

It's the diy BB8 craze

[@dracarnoir7606]

Very clever innovation top marks to you.

[@ROZIEmusic]

I'm definitely going to make this! I've got a science fair at the end of April. I think I'll just make the ball and paint it with green and Glow-In-The-Dark paint. And a cute robot face.#kawaiibot

[@nicklepicklepopsicle71]

Have one magnet in the ball and one magnet in the head. Use marbles inside the pipes to let the head roll

[@kevinshiflett4449]

Will you be posting version 2 anytime soon. I'm really excited about it!

[@RimstarOrg]

+kjs054 __ I'm still working hard on it. It's proving to be very difficult. Here's a post I made to my Google+ page about it last week plus.google.com/116395125136223897621/posts/RLdVErrEoxE

[@Di3gonx_]

The world of bb-8

[@firearms-explosives]

I love your innovative approach and your explanation of the problem solving process is crucial to this inspiring endeavor. Thank you sincerely

[@juneykuleff9334]

you forgot to consider the magnetic field generated by the earth before you put magnets on it!

[@sciencenerds6261]

I found a way to make the head spin, you attach a small plastic square to a motors and attach magnets to the plastic square so the head spins hope you try it rimstarorg

[@RimstarOrg]

+sciencenerds Thanks for the suggestion. I'll be doing something just like that after I make it so that the head will stay on.

[@jamestubridy6092]

I used a big car and stronger magnets and it works!

[@garvasrani8410]

awesome!! i simply love your bb 8 and i am gonna make it for sure by making several extra arrangements. Anyway best of luck and thnx!!

[@KungFuChowder]

I wonder if stronger magnets just might be the key.

[@RimstarOrg]

They are. But they also meant that the "truck" had to be heavier and more powerful. The result was my version 2 here kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHS7eWd3g5eUpck

[@Jamisonrogers0906]

Are you ever going to do an update video on this droid? If so, I have a suggestion. You can add more magnets and use styrofoam for the head.

[@RimstarOrg]

Yup, I went on the make BB-8 version 2. Here's the entire playlist for it kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHS7eWd3g5eUpck including different and more magnets plus a styrofoam head, just as you suggest.

[@giovannamarcondes4780]

I love you BB8

[@abelardobeltranquiroz]

u should use the nanodots, that neodimium magnets looks like bearings itshoud be intersting what happens

[@Dislike-ws9ch]

very cool and easy

[@dennisbrooks240]

Try styrofoam from meat tray, clean from grocery, to make skeleton head frame. Almost no weight.

[@RimstarOrg]

Thanks. I decided to instead go with a more powerful and heavier drive system. The head was then made out of a styrofoam hemisphere from Michael's, an art store. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHS7eWd3g5eUpck

[@DutchReptilesOfficial]

you should put a magnet in the middle of the cross and keep the ball bearings

[@RimstarOrg]

+Jimi-ray grotenhuis Yup. Someone else suggested I try that and so I did. It does seem to work better that way. It makes sense. Thanks.

[@DutchReptilesOfficial]

+RimstarOrg when are you continuing ?

[@RimstarOrg]

+Jimi-ray grotenhuis I fixed the last problem (hopefully) with the new remote control/arduino/drill motor control circuits on Monday. Hopefully I'll be able to get put it all together and get it in the ball and with a head by the end of next week. There's no guarantee it'll be an improvement, but it should be.

[@CAMacKenzie]

Instead of a truck, how about an rc tank? It would seem to me that differential steering would make it more maneuverable. Also, the turret control could turn the head vs the ball. A plastic tube for the upright should be lighter.

[@RimstarOrg]

+Colin MacKenzie I'm working on an RC tank drive/differential steering right now for version 2. Here's a Google+ post I made about it last week plus.google.com/116395125136223897621/posts/RLdVErrEoxE (I'd give a link to the post on my facebook page but there doesn't seem to be a way to do it.)

[@danmax3418]

Thanks so much!

[@samathaibis9252]

wow that is simple and efficient!

[@poulterho9311]

It’s so cool

[@gabrielh7517]

So awesome and simple

[@RimstarOrg]

Thanks! If you like that then you'll like version 2 kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXjcXopjnripaqs (though it's not as simple).

[@_splash_3410]

What if stronger magnets and exstended the rods on wheels to be much smoother and head would stay on

[@RimstarOrg]

+_Splash_ Stronger magnets would make the head stay on, or just raising the magnets inside. But that has the effect of gripping the structure that has the magnets on it inside the ball to the top of the ball. That strong grip is through the magnetic field, to the magnets under the head, and those magnets pressing hard against the outside of the ball. The truck has to be powerful enough and have good enough traction to overcome that grip. And my truck wasn't. That's why you see it getting stuck sometimes in the video. My version 2 BB-8 overcomes that with more powerful motors and a heavier "truck" for more traction. You can see that one here kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHS7eWd3g5eUpck.

[@abcdshikor998]

Superb idea, thanks a lot

[@RimstarOrg]

My pleasure. If you're planning to make one then check out version 2, kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHS7eWd3g5eUpck It works much better, though is much harder to make.

[@abcdshikor998]

@@RimstarOrg thanks sir, but it's too much hard & complex

[@RimstarOrg]

I agree with you there. It's definitely the most challenging thing I've done.

[@declancasey5971]

hey, just a thought... instead of ball bearing, why don't you use magnetic balls, they will still roll but I would think that they would keep the head on better?

[@RimstarOrg]

+declan casey Thanks, but that's equivalent to using the steel ball bearings with magnets on the inside of the globe like I did. It's still a magnetic attraction to balls. I've found that the problem with that approach is when a ball, either a steel or a magnet ball, skips off of the globe so some reason, the attraction is essentially lost for that ball and the whole thing can fall off. It's better I think to have separate magnets and the non-magnetic balls/rollers.

[@declancasey5971]

+RimstarOrg oh okay, makes sense

[@nikolaoschamouzas1911]

Amazing!

[@mooffy3961]

love this video

[@ROZIEmusic]

Did you make the rollers to support the head? If I just made the ball, would I need them? Please answer ASAP.

[@RimstarOrg]

+RainbowSplashGaming // Rory Yes, I made the rollers that support the head. I show how in this video. I'm not sure what you mean by "if you just made the ball, would you need them" since that would mean aren't making the head, so no need for the rollers. BTW Where making a BB-8 is concerned I've learned that there is no such thing as ASAP. It's a difficult process with lots of trial and error.

[@ROZIEmusic]

Ok. Thanks a bunch!!

[@ROZIEmusic]

Also, could you tell me where you got the globe?

[@RimstarOrg]

+RainbowSplashGaming // Rory I bought the globe from someone locally. It turns out that a lot of people buy globes and eventually sell them. I found two of the on www.kijiji.ca, a Canadian online classified ads website. Other sources is www.freecycle.org and other websites where people can give things away. Then there's craigslist.com and of course local thrift and 2nd hand stores (I got a 3rd one from one of these.)

[@ROZIEmusic]

Cool. Thanks!

[@deadpiratetattoo2015]

This is awesome. I want one

[@ric9761]

1:59 so wait, is this how pens are made?

[@RimstarOrg]

I guess in a way, yes. The ball is trapped at the end but free to roll.

[@minecraftdrawinggaming8944]

thats cool

[@Jamisonrogers0906]

What was your budget for this project, and how much money did you spend?

[@RimstarOrg]

For version 1, probably around $25. For version 2 kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHS7eWd3g5eUpck, around $235. I have the parts list on my website here rimstar.org/science_electronics_projects/bb-8_v2_parts_list_bill_of_materials.htm

[@stili.lazarov]

thanks

[@teja9676]

Excellent videos

[@RimstarOrg]

Thanks!

[@stasoma]

Awesome stuff

[@Equalsundew]

Sweet I know what to do in my free time

[@simonastico1190]

Very good

[@jjsanimations]

I have that same battery box lol

[@CIWS1]

I'm at work and can't use the audio at the moment but are those Musket caps for bearings on the upper part?? Gonna have to watch this again later at home lol!

[@rogerstelus5748]

amazing idea, thank you

[@reallifepassion]

This was really great! If I wanted to host a workshop and teach around 20 college students how to make a droid, could you suggest how I would do that?

[@RimstarOrg]

+Madiha Irfan Thanks! If I were you I'd first build a droid that was simple enough to make in a workshop and go from there. Also, the cost of parts may be an issue. If the each student will be making one then you'd have to get funds for parts.

[@reallifepassion]

I was thinking of charging a fee for people who are interested. I would want the materials to be as cheap as possible while still working. Would you have any suggestions on what cheaper materials to use and the best way to make them? Thank you!!

[@RimstarOrg]

+Madiha Irfan Well, I wouldn't do this droid for starters. For a workshop I'd probably use an arduino (there are a lot of variations, and some are pretty cheap) and do something with three or four wheels and a few sensors for knowing when it's about to hit a wall. I haven't done anything like that myself but I've seen a lot of people doing them at maker events. They seem to be a good starter for robotics.

[@reallifepassion]

+RimstarOrg OK! Do you have any suggested videos or websites I may use? Thanks for all your help BTW!

[@RimstarOrg]

+Madiha Irfan Not really. Do a google search for "arduino robot" and you should find plenty.

[@Starkiller2456]

You really need two wheel to make it go foreards and backwards and two wheels to go along the center sideways to improve steering

[@66million]

i wonder how long it took him maybe?10 or 5?

[@miguels3583]

Finally something usefull to do with my useless childhood globe ✍😱🔧👏

[@h8GW]

If the USSR is still on it, sell it for PROFIT