The SMALLEST Animatronic Eye Mechanism

Get ready for an epic deep dive into the world of animatronics with this incredible project inspired by a Disney patent for an artificial eye with internal electromagnetic drive! In this video, I stumble upon a mind-blowing patent while scrolling through Disney’s archives and decide to bring it to life. Watch as I break down the science behind animatronic eyes, explain how this electromagnetic system eliminates the need for noisy servos, and build a working prototype from scratch. From crafting custom electromagnets with ferromagnetic nails to designing a 3D-printed gimbal system, this build is packed with engineering challenges and creative solutions. 🚀

🔍 What’s in this video?
A detailed look at how traditional animatronic eyes work with servos and why Disney’s electromagnetic approach is a game-changer.
Step-by-step process of building the eye, including cutting nails for electromagnets, creating a winding jig, and assembling the 3D-printed components.
Troubleshooting real-time issues like ferromagnetic interference and homing magnet failures, plus my plans to make a smaller, human-sized version in the next video.
Insights into the advantages of this design: quieter operation, compact size, and endless possibilities for robotics and animatronics.

🛒 Want to build your own? Check out the tools and materials I used through my Amazon affiliate links:
3D Printer - What I used to build the eye: https://amzn.to/46kdQpI
Raspberry Pi Pico 2 - The perfect microcontroller for robotics projects: https://amzn.to/46m1cGL
Breadboard & Jumper Wires - Essential for easy prototyping. Buy here: https://amzn.to/4ky1VIB
TS101 Soldering Iron - This one I've been using for years. Get one here: https://amzn.to/45H7BvX
Benchtop Power Supply - External power for the ultrasonic sensor. Shop here: https://amzn.to/44qiIqY

💡 Why you’ll love this video
If you’re a fan of DIY tech, robotics, or just love seeing wild ideas come to life, this project is for you! Whether you’re an engineer, a hobbyist, or just curious about how animatronics work, you’ll find inspiration in this blend of creativity, problem-solving, and cutting-edge tech. Plus, stick around for Part 2 where I’ll refine the design and add proportional control for realistic eye movements!

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💬 Join the conversation! Drop a comment below with your thoughts on the project, ideas for improvements, or what you’d love to see me build next. Let’s geek out together!

#DIY #Animatronics #Electromagnetics #DisneyPatent #Robotics #Engineering #TechProjects #Maker #Innovation #3DPrinting #Disney

Music Used:
Welcome To The Show Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...

Sweeter Vermouth Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...