If you’ve ever wanted to add a pair of moving, lifelike eyes to a project—whether it’s a toy, a robot, or something more unsettling—you’re in luck. A maker has come up with an animatronic eye design that’s not just functional but also easy to 3D print and customize. And the best part? It’s surprisingly simple to build with off-the-shelf parts.
A Simple Yet Spooky DIY Project
Most animatronic eye projects are complex, requiring custom-built parts and advanced coding skills. This one, shared by Instructables user Ikkalebob, takes a different approach. The design relies on 3D-printed components, a handful of micro servos, and a simple controller board, making it accessible to more tinkerers.
The materials list includes:
- 6x Micro servos, with options for different performance levels.
- 2x Realistic eyeballs, which can be either store-bought or 3D-printed.
- 1x Eye mechanism controller board, or alternatively, a Raspberry Pi Pico setup.
What makes this project stand out is its flexibility. The eyes can move on their own in a randomized pattern or be controlled manually, allowing them to fit different creative uses.
3D Printing Brings Customization
One of the biggest advantages here is that most of the eye mechanism can be 3D printed. That means builders can tweak the size, shape, or even add their own artistic flair. Want cat eyes instead of human ones? Go for it. Need oversized, exaggerated movement for a haunted house prop? You can make that happen, too.
Since 3D printing is so accessible now, getting parts made isn’t a huge hurdle. Even if you don’t own a printer, many libraries, maker spaces, or online services can help bring these parts to life.
Choosing the Right Components
Building animatronic eyes isn’t just about 3D printing—it also requires picking the right servos and control system. Here’s a quick breakdown of the servo options:
| Servo Type | Cost | Speed | Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| SG90 | Low | Slow | Weak |
| MG90s | Medium | Faster | Stronger |
The MG90s servos strike a good balance, offering more power without being overly expensive. Meanwhile, the eye controller board can be swapped out for a Raspberry Pi Pico if needed, making this project accessible for those who already have extra parts lying around.
Spooky or Fun? The Choice Is Yours
With Halloween still months away, there’s plenty of time to experiment with these animatronic eyes and figure out creative uses for them. Here are a few ideas:
- Attach them to a robot for an expressive, interactive character.
- Use them in a haunted house setup to follow visitors with an eerie gaze.
- Add them to a toy for a fun but slightly unsettling effect.
Since the project allows both manual control and random movement, there’s a lot of room for experimentation. Whether you’re going for a playful touch or full-on nightmare fuel, these eyes make it possible.
