Overview

Project Title: "TERR1 (a.k.a. Terry)"

Type of Project: Mechanical Design, 3D Printing

Client/Personal Work: School Project

Date/Timeline: February to April 2024

Render of completed TERR1 model.

Objective

TERR1 (short for Extraterrestrial Terrarium Mark 1, pronounced 'Terry') was the inaugural character I designed for 'The Cure,' and its design played a pivotal role in shaping the overall direction of the project. To meet the assignment's objectives, I developed Terry as an assembly in SolidWorks, consisting of eight distinct components (excluding pins), and a 9-page engineering drawing sheet set. My goal was to create a design that was not only unique and functional but also imbued with a strong sense of character and personality.

Roles and Responsibilities

Design: 

Terry is designed to collect plant samples in the field and transport them back to the lab within a controlled environment that replicates their natural habitat. Engineered for versatility, Terry can navigate long distances with ease and is capable of seamless, instantaneous direction changes, ensuring efficient and adaptive movement in various terrains.

Texturing:

Texturing played a crucial role in bringing Terry's character to life and enhancing the narrative of the project. I utilized vibrant, complementary colors to give it a playful appearance, while a transparent dome was incorporated to showcase its' collected samples and demonstrates functionality. Additionally, subtle signs of wear were intentionally included to reflect the passage of time and the lack of maintenance, adding depth and history to the design.

Rigging and Animation:

Rigging and animating the robot presented a unique challenge, primarily due to its unconventional form and the absence of facial features or humanoid limbs, which are typically used to convey emotions and expressions that audiences can easily relate to. To overcome this, I focused on alternative ways to communicate personality through movement. For example, in the animation sequence where Terry returns to base, I incorporated a playful jump to convey excitement and satisfaction over his latest sample, effectively imbuing him with a sense of character despite the lack of traditional expressive features.

3D Printing:

Terry was 3D printed using a Stratasys J55 Prime, utilizing a combination of individual parts and in-place assemblies. The process presented several challenges, including the need to reverse-engineer a part due to tolerancing issues, as well as reprinting components when the initial results did not meet my standards. Additionally, I worked within the constraints of a school-provided budget and limited material resources. Despite these obstacles, I was able to refine my printing strategy and ultimately produced a functional, detailed model, resulting in both a successful end product and a rewarding learning experience.

Tools

Software:

SolidWorks: Solid body modeling, surface modeling, engineering drawings, texture conceptualization

Adobe Substance Painter: Texturing

V-Ray (inside 3DS Max): Lighting, rendering

Blender: Plant model inside dome of 3d print

Photoshop: Manipulation of backgrounds in 3d print photos

Stratasys J55 Prime: Printing

Mechanical Design Visuals

3D Prints

Renders