Raspberry Pi Zero W Drives Animatronic Fox Companion

As technology advances, the creation of virtual assistants and companion bots becomes increasingly accessible, thanks in part to versatile development boards like the Raspberry Pi. Maker Katherine “Smalls” Connell presents an intriguing example of this with her animatronic fox head companion bot, blending robotics and artistry into a captivating creation.

Connell’s animatronic fox head boasts a range of expressive animations. Servo motors enable the head to move and tilt, while additional servos control the ears’ motion. The eyes feature screens with animated pupils, adding to the lifelike charm of the bot. Connell’s programming imbues the bot with randomized movements rather than fixed responses to input, enhancing its natural and spontaneous behavior.

The foundation of the animatronic fox head is a 3D-printed model sourced from Thingiverse, customized by Connell to suit her project. Utilizing Worbla, a heat-moldable material, she meticulously crafted the exterior, covering it entirely with faux fur for a realistic appearance.

Each eye incorporates a 1.14-inch IPS LCD module, programmed to move randomly under the control of a Raspberry Pi Zero W. Collaborating with an Arduino UNO, responsible for servo control, the setup includes servos for ear movement and head rotation, providing a cohesive and interactive experience for viewers interacting with the companion bot.

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