Anime fans are often known for their passion, creativity, and the lengths they go to bring their favourite characters or objects to life. For fans of Suzume no Tojimari, the popular anime film directed by Makoto Shinkai, one such iconic object is Suzume’s beloved three-legged chair, which takes on a life of its own in the movie. This whimsical piece of furniture has inspired countless fan-made creations, but none quite as impressive as a walking version built by DIY creator Copysic.
Copysic’s project to recreate Suzume’s chair with real walking capabilities showcases a mix of ingenuity and technical prowess. Powered by an ESP32 microcontroller and three high-torque servos rated for a maximum torque of 35kg, the chair can move via commands sent over Bluetooth from a smartphone. The project began with ambitious plans to replicate the full range of movements depicted in the anime but was scaled down due to practical challenges. The creator used 3D printing for the lightweight body, designed in Blender, to ensure the servos could handle the weight effectively. A chunky 5200mAh battery powers the servos through separate DC-DC converters for each servo, while a separate battery supplies the ESP32, ensuring that any sudden current spikes won't cause any issues to the ESP32. This project is certainly a fun build for any maker who loves anime and wants to see their favourite character come to life. To see the full build process and final result, check out Copysic's video on YouTube.
