This Star Wars fan has turned their passion into reality by 3D printing life-size droids right from home.
After getting a 3D printer, Anthony Smith knew exactly what to create—R2D2.
What started as a single project quickly turned into an obsession, leading to the creation of 12 full-size Star Wars droids, including Chopper, BT1, and even a fully functional C-3PO.
Anthony said: “I’ve always been a fan of R2d2, I mean, he’s the hero in every episode.
“When I got my first 3D printer and realized I could make anything…it was inevitable.”
Posting updates online, Anthony Smith has gained a growing fan base of fellow Star Wars fanatics who can’t get enough of the detailed, movie-accurate builds.
Anthony from Arizona, USA is now running out of space and even jokes about needing to “kick out the kids” to make room for upcoming projects—including a fully functional life-size Wall-E.
Anthony builds every last bit of the droids himself, from the shells to the working movement systems.
Not a trained engineer, Anthony has had to teach himself all the skills required to build the droids; however, generous people online have helped him along the way.
His droids are now the life of the party being admired by friends and family alike and have even become a fixture in the local community.
They have taken part in the Star Wars based May the 4th celebrations and have even been in schools to talk about science and engineering.
Self-taught through research, YouTube tutorials, and online forums, Anthony credits the community of fellow builders for helping along the way.
He added: “There are some amazing Facebook groups that share 3D files, ideas, and answer questions. It’s a great community where everyone can learn from each other.
“Often the life of the party, every time people come over they want a tour and pictures of the creations.
“My droids have visited many charity events, educational events at schools to help share science and technology with the kids.
“They’ve done May the 4th celebrations and have had several requests to be ring bearers in weddings.
“I regularly get requests to build everything from name plates, to cosplay props, and even requests to help build droids.”