DJ R-3X Animatronic is a life-sized recreation of the iconic droid DJ from Oga’s Cantina in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Our team set out to bring this charismatic character to life with full motion and audio functionality.
The INNOVENTIONS team challenges students to design and build themed entertainment experiences from the ground up. Our team is currently working hard to bring this DJ to our college town of San Luis Obispo, his first stop on his new intergalactic tour.
The current design is based on a modified open-source 3D-printed animatronic kit, which we adapted to integrate servo, stepper, and linear actuator-driven motion. Enhancements include reinforced joints, upgraded motion control, and synchronized audio playback for lifelike performance.
Degrees of Motion and Actuation:
A linear actuator controls the head’s vertical movement (lift/lower position).
The main arm features an elbow and wrist joints, each driven by independent servo motors for smooth, capable of 270 degrees each.
The head uses two additional servos for pitch and yaw, allowing for his iconic head bobble
The arm base rotation is achieved using internally toothed spur gears and pinion systems, driven by stepper motors, allowing precise, synchronized rotational control of both arms.
Controls:
A primary microcontroller is used to communicate with motor controllers and a servo driver. The servo driver communicates using I2C with the main MC.
AUDIO SYSTEM: Coming Soon
ANIMATION INTEGRATION: Coming Soon
DEMO:
COMING SOON
Controls Lead: Motion Integration and System Control
Contributions:
Motion Control System Development:
-Integrated servo and stepper motor systems into the animatronic framework to support multi-axis movement, including head pitch/yaw, arm rotation, and wrist/elbow articulation.
-Programmed smooth, coordinated motion sequences using Arduino, ensuring lifelike gestures synchronized to audio playback.
-Tuned motion profiles for natural acceleration and deceleration to enhance character believability.
Hardware Modifications & CAD:
- Modified an open-source 3D print animatronic kit to support mechanical upgrades, including installing a linear actuator to raise/lower the head and replacing static joints with servo-driven articulations.
-Assisted in designing and installing internally toothed spur gear and pinion systems for base rotation using stepper motors.
-Assembled all motor wiring and ensured safe power distribution across the system.
-Assisted with the mechanical design of servo mounts and actuator brackets in CAD.
-Participated in prototyping and fit-testing of mechanical assemblies.
Embedded System Architecture:
-Programmed a primary microcontroller for motion using recordings of puppeteer motion
-Established I2C communication between controllers to control various systems simultaneously.
-Integrated MP3 module and LED feedback indicators for interactive, character-driven performances.
COMING SOON
