How to build an animatronics head - Tutorial

Summary

This tutorial walks through the step-by-step process of building an animatronic head. It explains the use of servos, brass tubes, steel cables, and aluminum plates to control the movement of the lips, mouth, eyes, and eyebrows. The head is structured like a multi-floor building, with each section corresponding to different facial features. The tutorial also touches on how to maintain and modify the structure easily. Future tutorials promise to explore making realistic eyes, eyelids, and dentures. The video concludes with a nod to Leonardo Da Vinci's dedication to scientific observation.

Takeaways

• 🤖 The animatronic head is constructed using 22 micro servos and 1 standard servo, along with other materials such as aluminum plates and steel cables.
• 🦷 The lower lip movement is controlled using three dedicated servos, and brass tubes are used as channels to guide the steel cables.
• 🛠️ Clean brass pieces are crucial for proper welding and the smooth operation of the steel cables, which are sourced from bicycle brake components.
• 💪 The mouth requires a standard servo for more power during opening and closing, instead of using micro servos.
• 🏢 The head is constructed in a modular way, with different 'floors' representing the jaw, eyes, cheeks, and eyebrows, allowing easier repairs and modifications.
• 🔧 The left and right lips can move independently to create expressions like smiles or frowns using two interconnected servos.
• 👁️ Eyelid and eye movements are controlled through jointed rings, which can be adjusted both forward and backward, and from left to right.
• 😯 The modular design includes independent electrical connections for each floor, simplifying assembly and maintenance.
• 💀 A support structure resembling a fiberglass skull is used to support the silicone face, making the head more realistic.
• 🔍 Future tutorials will cover detailed instructions for building professional-level eyes and eyelids.

Q & A

What is the purpose of using micro servos and a standard servo in the animatronics head?

Micro servos are used for smaller, more delicate movements, such as lip motion, while the standard servo is used for the mouth motor, which requires more power to open and close the mouth.

How are steel cables and brass tubes used in this animatronics project?

Steel cables, typically from bicycle brakes, are used to control the movement of the lips, while small brass tubes act as channels for the cables to slide through. The brass tubes guide the cables effectively.

Why is the brass material cleaned before welding?

Brass must be cleaned thoroughly before welding because unclean brass will not weld properly, affecting the structural integrity of the animatronic parts.

What is the significance of the brass disc in the animatronic design?

The brass disc is glued to the rubber face and helps connect the steel cable to the lips, allowing the servos to manipulate the lip movements.

Why is the ability to both push and pull the lips important in the animatronics design?

The ability to push the lips forward as well as pull them back is crucial for achieving more realistic and nuanced facial expressions in the animatronic head.

How is the mouth motor different from the other servos?

The mouth motor uses a standard servo instead of a micro servo because the mouth movements require more strength to open and close, demanding higher torque.

How is the animatronics head structured with multiple 'floors'?

The animatronics head is structured like a building with multiple levels: the ground floor represents the lower jaw, the first floor is the upper jaw, the second floor is for the eyes and eyelids, the third floor for the cheeks, and the fourth floor for the eyebrows.

What is the advantage of having independent electrical connections for each floor of the animatronics head?

Having independent electrical connections for each floor makes it easier to troubleshoot, repair, or modify specific parts of the animatronics head without disturbing other components.

What are jointed rings used for in this project?

Jointed rings are used to move the eyelids of the animatronic head, giving it the ability to blink or adjust its gaze.

Why are adjustments to the eyes important in the animatronics head?

Adjusting the eyes forward, backward, left, or right is important for aligning the eyes with the face and creating more natural, lifelike movements.