Project Overview
Animatronics Workshop is a volunteer organization of a small team of 6 students led by former Walt Disney Animatronics Imagineer Paul Dietz. The goal of this project is to create kits of accessible materials and 3D printable parts that kids in schools can use to create their own animatronics to put on their own plays in humanities classes. This work has been implemented in Trinity Valley School in Texas. I served as the animatronics design engineer and 3D modeler on the project.
Zip Horn
I took the organization's existing 3D model for a zip horn and improved upon it. This printable 3D model allowed students to attach zip ties to a servo motor. The head of a zip tie would sit into one of the holes of this piece and wrap around the zip horn and through one of the holes of the servo motor holder. This allowed students to direct zip ties and lead character motions for cardboard and paper animatronics. I made this zip horn symmetrical to simplify and combine multiple of the organization's previous 3D model ideas. I also 3D printed and tested this piece.
Servo Motor Holder
I took the organization's existing 3D model for a servo motor holder and improved upon it. With this 3D printable 3D model, students can hold the servo motor for their project, attach pieces directly to the motor holder with the larger flat surface on the back, and direct zip ties in multiple different directions to lead character motions for cardboard and paper animatronics. I also made the servo motor holder symmetrical to simplify and combine multiple of the organization's previous 3D model ideas. I also 3D printed and tested this piece.
Contact
508-404-3168 | leplatt@andrew.cmu.edu | Pittsburgh, PA | https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenelizabethplatt/