[VIDEO] 'Replica BB-8 Droid from Star Wars' From The Digi International Blog
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Established in 1998, Symmetry Electronics, a Division of Braemac, is a global distributor of electronic components and systems. Combining premier components and comprehensive value-added services with an expert in-house engineering team, Symmetry supports engineers in the design, development, and deployment of a broad range of connected technologies.
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Acquired by Berkshire Hathaway company TTI, Inc. in 2017, Symmetry Electronics is a proud Exponential Technology Group (XTG) member. A collection of specialty semiconductor distributors and engineering design firms, XTG stands alongside industry leaders TTI Inc., Mouser Electronics, and Sager Electronics. Together, we provide a united global supply chain solution with the shared mission of simplifying engineering, offering affordable technologies, and assisting engineers in accelerating time to market. For more information about XTG, visit www.xponentialgroup.com.
The BB-8 droid is one of the most popular additions to the Star Wars universe. Toy makers are already springing up to create replicas as Star Wars fans around the world want one in their home. But what about building a BB-8 from scratch, completely customizing its capabilities, and building it exactly to scale?
Zarick did just this. He started with a foundation of open source Arduino code, 3D printed parts, and some other fan-created BB-8 droid designs, but he also made some major improvements. Zarick’s main improvement to existing design was the drive train. Rather than using the standard “hamster wheel” design, he created a single axle with a counterweight for a more elegant solution that closely replicated the droid’s motions on film.
For remote control of the robot, Zarick used an XBee module and Arduino Pro Mini to create a controller that allows him to easily whistle and beep with the press of a button and move the droid around with analog joy sticks.
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About Symmetry Electronics
Established in 1998, Symmetry Electronics, a Division of Braemac, is a global distributor of electronic components and systems. Combining premier components and comprehensive value-added services with an expert in-house engineering team, Symmetry supports engineers in the design, development, and deployment of a broad range of connected technologies.
Exponential Technology Group Member
Acquired by Berkshire Hathaway company TTI, Inc. in 2017, Symmetry Electronics is a proud Exponential Technology Group (XTG) member. A collection of specialty semiconductor distributors and engineering design firms, XTG stands alongside industry leaders TTI Inc., Mouser Electronics, and Sager Electronics. Together, we provide a united global supply chain solution with the shared mission of simplifying engineering, offering affordable technologies, and assisting engineers in accelerating time to market. For more information about XTG, visit www.xponentialgroup.com.