BB-8 Droid from Star Wars - Homemade/DIY
BB-8 is the name of an awesome droid introduced for the new Star Wars movies. It's awesome because it's a ball that rolls in all directions, but has a head that manages to stay on top, and even move around on the ball. And it's real hardware, not just computer graphics.
The instant I saw it in the first trailer for Star Wars - The Force Awakens I just had to make one. So far I've done two versions, both detailed below.
BB-8 droid from the 1st Star Wars - The Force Awakens trailer.
BB-8 droid at Star Wars Celebration 2015.
My first BB-8 droid (v1) with a cardboard head.
My homemade BB-8 droid (v1)
This is my BB-8 droid (v1) made using an old globe and a remote control toy truck as the basis for what's inside. As long as the head isn't too heavy then it stays on as the droid rolls around under remote control.
My homemade BB-8 droid (v2)
This is my BB-8 droid (v2) with a new motor drive system with more power for being able to keep a heavier head on better.
Some design aids
BB-8 Dimensions
This page contains the dimensions for making your own fullsized BB-8 as well as aids for getting dimensions for a BB-8 of any size.
