We catch up with Mike Senna, one of the few R2-D2 builders who has also made a life-size Wall-E robot. Over the past year, he’s been working on a companion for Wall-E: the high-tech EVE. Mike shares his build process for EVE, where the build currently stands, and what he plans to add to complete this adorable robot duo.
LEGO with Friends: Veronica Belmont, Part 2
Now that we’re all warmed up, we bring out the big sets for the rest of this week’s LEGO with Friends! Veronica, Norm, and Will are each tackling their own sets this week, each from a different theme. Let the knolling begin! Follow along with us by signing up for a Tested Premium Membership here!
Animatronic ‘Westworld’ Gunslinger Robot Sculpture
Behold, Westworld’s Gunslinger–the original Terminator as portrayed by the great Yul Brynner. At Monsterpalooza, we chat with sculptor Nick Marra about his amazing portrait of the character. This silicone sculpture not only captures Brynner’s likeness, but is mechanized to reveal his true robot face in spectacular fashion. Draw!
On Going Clear – 4/07/2015
Tested Lessons: Basic Animatronics, Part 5
We get down to the wire as we try to put these mechanized skulls together. Frank takes us down to his shop to show his completed project, and we discuss some lessons learned. Follow along by signing up for a membership here! Plus, stay tuned for another build coming next week. Yep, it’s LEGO with Friends!
Tested Lessons: Basic Animatronics, Part 4
This week’s build continues! More tweaking is needed to get the neck movement right, and we struggle to mount the servos inside the skull’s head. Plus, we talk about our favorite movies with animatronics, including Hellboy. Follow along by signing up for a membership here!
Episode 295 – Full House – 4/2/2015
Tested Lessons: Basic Animatronics, Part 3
Today, the team finishes up the jaw movement on the mechanized skull, and starts figuring out a way to give it a two-axis movement around its neck. One problem: this skull doesn’t have a neck! There’s more problem-solving of servos placement and appreciation of epoxy. Follow along by signing up for a membership here!