Star Wars enthusiast Stewart Gill brings a slice of the big screen to Richmond Mall this Thursday with his life-sized R2D2 robot, which he made at home using a 3D printer. It’s an exact replica of the character from the movie, down to the very last detail. To coincide with the school holidays, he’s showcasing R2D2 for free to kids and parents alike, who want to swing by for a photo. “It was such a huge undertaking to build, I was put off at first,” says Stewart. “But I like a challenge, so I went for it.”
The 3D printer uses very thin wire to print out from design templates loaded on to the printer digitally. “I had to print out several thousand pieces, I lost count in the end,” says Stewart. “Each piece takes hours to print.”
Stewart is currently touring hospitals, kindergartens and schools for free. “I’ve always loved Star Wars, so this started off as a hobby project,” says Stewart. “It’s taken me just over a year to print it all out, glue it together and paint it. R2 talks, beeps and lights up, just like the real thing and I control it using my phone.” Stewart is also hiring R2 out for special events. “He’d be cool for kids’ parties, weddings or corporate functions,” says Stewart. “I can programme him with song requests and he sings Happy Birthday as well. I’d love to see him being a ring bearer one day!” To hire R2, call 027 911 7711. Prices from $60 an hour.
See R2D2 at Richmond Mall, Thursday 22 April, between 11am and 1pm.