Teenager Demonstrates How to Build a Life-Size BB-8 for Less Money Than the Toy

The Sphero BB-8 is cool and everything, but it’s just a tiny toy and also costs $150. After seeing BB-8 roll around on stage at the Star Wars Celebration last year, all we’ve really wanted is our own life-size version, and for the ambitious ones out there, this is how you can make that happen.

17-year-old Angelo Casimiro made this model for only $120 by using household materials, and you can to do the same by following his instructions on Instructables. It’s even controlled by smartphone just like the tiny Sphero version. If you didn’t get enough BB-8 action in the instructional video above, here’s a dry run with the head’s magnetic base to show just how well it really works:

If you want to build your own, here’s the full list of the materials you’ll need:

Robotics & Electronics:

– Arduino Uno

– Pololu Dual VNH5019 Motor Shield

– 2x Pololu (19:1) 37D Metal Gearbox

– HC05 Bluetooth Module

– 4 Cell Lithium Battery Pack (2x)

– Switch, DC Jack, Wires, Solder

BB-8’s Body:

– Inflatable Beach Ball (Diameter: 50cm)

– Old Newspaper

– Plain Canvas Cloth

– 2 Bottles of PVA Glue (a.k.a Elmer’s Glue)

– 1 Bottle of Woodglue

– White, Grey and Orange (Tangerine) Spray Paint

– Roll-on Deodorants

BB-8’s Head:

– Styrofoam Ball (Diameter: 300mm/ 12 inches)

– Christmas Ball (Size of BB8’s Eye)

– WiFi Antenna (Prop Only)

– Cloths Hanger

– Roll-on Deodorants

– White, Grey and Orange (Tangerine) Spray Paint

MISC:

– Superglue

– Neodymium Magnets

(via Geeks Are Sexy)

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