Hey Remy!
Automata Box
Project Length - 5 weeks
Design Insights
Motive
An automata box is a toy driven by a single crank that controls multiple actions. These simple actions are meant to tell a user a short story.
Design
Hey Remy is an interpretation of a scene in the movie Ratatouille that is created using no glue and only friction-fit joints.
Tools
Analog Sketching
Fusion Modeling
Prototyping
3D Printing
Laser Cutting
Target Audience
Kids
Sold through Disney to kids ages 8-13, especially fans of Ratatouille.
Inspiration
Montessori learning was the main inspiration for this design. Emulating learning styles Kiwi Co. and Crunch labs bring to young kids.
Constraints
With this inspiration in mind, I set my own constraint for my design. No glue, easy assembly, and manufacturable.
Concept Art
Prototypes
Development
Low-fidelity mechanism testing. Here I learned the correct cams and how to streamline the story’s actions.
Refined Prototypes
Tunning
In these prototypes, I honed in on the tolerances for a snug no-glue assembly as well perfecting cam timings.
Fusion Prototypes
3D printed dowel rod adapters
Illustrator Cut Files
In these prototypes, I honed in on the tolerances for a snug no-glue assembly as well perfecting cam timings.
Final Products
Start
The hat starts up, revealing Remy. Chef Skinner is out of the kitchen.
End
The hat goes down, concealing Remy. Chef Skinner comes in Scene. Subtle Lid movement up and down.
Packaging
All Assembled
With the box complete, kids can play all day with this toy. This wooden STEM toy is fun from assembly to completion, all while teaching kids about mechanical engineering and design. Most importantly this toy gets kids into making, with its easy assembly kids would be encouraged to explore more hands-on projects.
