We are nearly halfway through the semester! That means it’s almost time to begin the transition from prototyping to producing final products. Check out this video for a preview of this week’s raptor happenings:
This week the raptor team had the privilege of working with Ron Pardini, a special effects artist with 29 years of experience. The class spent Sunday working in the lab with Ron, and enjoyed a presentation on Ron’s life and career on Monday.
Here’s a recap of this week’s major accomplishments and goals for the future:
Electronics Team
Accomplishments:
- controlling two wireless modules separately from one laptop
- working with Cait to establish wire placement on raptors
Goals:
- 3D print a new case to hold the Arduino with EL and wireless shields
- develop a system to relieve strain on wires to avoid anything getting pulled out of place
- have entire three-raptor system working by November 13
Skin Team
Accomplishments:
- developing a pattern for the skin on the heads and feet of the raptors
- experimenting with incorporating lights into the skin
Goals:
- continue developing skin texture
- work with EVA foam to refine skin patterns
- have all skin ready by November 20
Feet Team
Accomplishments:
- carving the foot’s shape out of foam
- exploring integration of foot with performer’s shoe
Goals:
- attach feet to legs
- develop claws for feet
- have final foot model ready by November 13
Hand Team
Accomplishments:
- refining mechanism for performer to control finger articulation
- improved finger articulation by integrating springs into hand
- picking up objects with raptor hands
Goals:
- improve integration of performer’s glove and raptor hand
- experiment with using magnets to aid in picking up objects
- have final hand model ready by November 13
Structure Team
Accomplishments:
- scaling down the raptor’s body frame
- adding a foam spine to the frame
Goals:
- fit harnesses to two other performers
- work on transition between raptor body and head
- experiment with using attachments from tail to performer’s arms to control tail movement
- have complete structure model ready by November 13
Leg Team
Accomplishments:
- establishing more solid joint connections
- developing a kneecap prototype
Goals:
- attach legs to feet
- shorten length of thigh and increase thickness of foam rods
- have final leg model ready by November 13
Head Team
Accomplishments:
- improved mechanism for attaching raptor head to performer’s head
Goals:
- improve mechanism for attaching raptor head to raptor body
- have final head model ready by November 13
Of course there’s still a lot of work to be done, so stay tuned for the second half of the semester!
