Description
MM-8, which stands for Multi-Motion-8, is a storage droid that can function as a jedi's sidekick. From holding a jedi's lightsaber to Death Star plans, MM-8 is unique in its ability to shape shift. Its boosters and wheel design allow for rapid evasive maneuvers from enemies through rough terrain. The droid was created during the Age of Rebellion by rebel forces as a beacon of hope to overthrow the empire.
The central mechanism of the droid is its seven components that rotate around the main body similar to a Rubik's Cube mechanism. The "central components" are storage cabinets and the "edge components" contain boosters that activate when the trap door opens. The storage cabinets rotate in place about the main body's axle. This rotation drives the boosters to rotate around these storage cabinets, giving the boosters the ability to "scramble" between the four different locations. All of this motion is facilitated by a revolved track. Please see the video and images. With the combination of the rocket thrusters, the rotation system, and the wheels, MM-8 features a wide range of movement capabilities. This mechanism was inspired by the Transformers and the Rubik's Cube mechanism. The head of the droid is attached by two joints that allow the head to spin and lean side to side.
Throughout my design process, I aimed to pursue creativity and think outside the box without butchering the Star Wars theme. I wanted it to be unique and striking, yet retain some classic features of droids. The antenna, the head, the eye, and the electrical components were designed to fit seamlessly into a Star Wars scene. However, the neck mechanism, wheels, and rotation system were unique additions that pushed my approach outside the box.
Droids are staples to Star Wars movies because of their adorable personalities and distinctive functionalities. In my design of MM-8, I wanted to create a droid that disguises its powerful capabilities under a simple-looking exterior. I spent lots of time tweaking the shape of its head, the colors, and the eye to give the droid a curious and enchanting persona. Another aspect of its design that gives it life is its LEDs, which also allow it to navigate through the dark.
I had a lot of fun designing this droid and I believe it deserves to win because of its unique aesthetic and functional properties.