Chris Myles, a talented robot engineer and avid Portal 2 fan, has embarked on an impressive project to create functional replica mini Portal 2 personality cores. Utilizing SolidWorks for the design and incorporating a variety of components such as Eden 350, lancing device springs, paper clips, and LEDs, Chris has brought these beloved characters to life with remarkable precision and attention to detail.
Chris has successfully replicated several of the iconic personality cores from the game, including Wheatley, Adventure Sphere (Rick), Space Sphere, and the “Fact” Sphere. These replicas are not just static models; they feature functional elements that mimic the behavior of their in-game counterparts. Watch the video after the jump to see how the replicas function and the intricate detail that has gone into creating them.
The Creation Process
The creation process of these mini personality cores is a testament to Chris’s engineering skills and creativity. Using SolidWorks, a powerful 3D CAD design software, Chris meticulously designed each core to match the game’s models. The use of Eden 350, a high-resolution 3D printer, allowed for the precise fabrication of the core components. Lancing device springs and paper clips were ingeniously repurposed to create the mechanical parts necessary for the cores’ movement and functionality.
LEDs were carefully selected and installed to replicate the glowing eyes of the cores, adding an extra layer of authenticity. For instance, the Space Sphere’s eye features a light orange LED, which Chris notes appears more red in photos and videos due to lighting conditions. This attention to detail ensures that each core not only looks accurate but also behaves in a manner true to the game.
Challenges and Achievements
Creating these replicas was not without its challenges. One of the significant hurdles was ensuring that the cores’ movements were smooth and lifelike. This required precise calibration of the springs and mechanical parts, as well as careful programming of the LEDs to achieve the desired lighting effects. Chris’s background in robotics undoubtedly played a crucial role in overcoming these challenges and achieving the final product.
The end result is a set of mini personality cores that are both visually stunning and functionally impressive. Each core captures the essence of its in-game character, from Wheatley’s curious and somewhat bumbling nature to the Adventure Sphere’s bold and adventurous spirit. The Space Sphere’s fascination with space and the “Fact” Sphere’s endless stream of trivia are also faithfully represented.
Unfortunately, Chris is not selling or making any more of his mini replica Portal 2 personality cores. This decision is likely due to the time and effort required to create each core, as well as the personal nature of the project. However, the detailed documentation and videos Chris has shared provide valuable insights and inspiration for other fans and makers who may wish to undertake similar projects.
**Note: The paint around the Space Sphere eye is yellow with a touch of orange (Technically Lemon Yellow with a touch of Saffron Yellow) and the LED is light orange (a touch more yellow than the Omni-tool I made). I guess it just looks more red when I film/photo it.
For those interested in seeing more of Chris’s work, additional photos and details can be found on his Flickr page. This project not only showcases Chris’s technical prowess but also serves as a tribute to the creativity and innovation that the Portal 2 community continues to inspire.
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