You Can Build Your Very Own BB8 From Star Wars: The Force Awakens Because Science Is Amazing

We’d heard that BB8, the rolling droid from Star Wars: The Force Awakens, was an actual practical effect, but I don’t think any of us really believed it until the world crapped its collective pants when BB8 rolled out on stage during the film’s panel at Star Wars Celebration to engage R2 in an adorable-off. Well, prepare your trousers for round 2: you can build your very own BB8.

While not quite the technical marvel we witnessed at Star Wars Celebration—likely due to the deal J.J. Abrams had to make with the dark side of the Force to make the real thing possible—the DIY BB8 by industrial design student Christian Poulsen is a perfectly suitable home version. Let’s be honest: the human mind isn’t built for level of amazement that would result from having the real thing anyway. It’s safer this way.

With a Sphero robot ball toy, some magnets, and a few hours of effort, you can follow Poulsen’s instructions for a mini, bluetooth-controlled BB8 to roll around your house bumping into things—until your cat eats it, probably. For the less DYI-inclined out there, Disney is actually partnering with Sphero for official, pre-made versions later this year.

(via UPROXX)

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Dan Van Winkle

Dan Van Winkle (he) is an editor and manager who has been working in digital media since 2013, first at now-defunct Geekosystem (RIP), and then at The Mary Sue starting in 2014, specializing in gaming, science, and technology. Outside of his professional experience, he has been active in video game modding and development as a hobby for many years. He lives in North Carolina with Lisa Brown (his wife) and Liz Lemon (their dog), both of whom are the best, and you will regret challenging him at Smash Bros.

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