G.A.M.M.A. Force – Bluetooth Action Figure

Overview

Francine Duncan, Co-Founder of FarVision Studios and our project sponsor, has tasked our team with designing and manufacturing an action figure prototype based on their mobile game, G.A.M.M.A. Force. More specifically, this action figure should be modeled closely to the video game’s main character, Captain Cato and include the ability to wirelessly connect and interact with the game. For example, if Captain Cato gets hit by a blast in the video game, a Bluetooth signal would be sent to the action figure and speakers in the figure would output a sound. Though this project was mostly open ended, our sponsor required a minimum deliverable of an action figure designed consistently with concept art of Captain Cato, that includes some form of wireless connectivity which triggers lights and sound in the figure. When considering project objectives, our team decided to include several different joints of movement for the action figure, one interchangeable part, a speaker to output sounds, and a LED health bar.

Objectives

The team objective is to design and build an action figure of Captain Cato that will be able to interact with the G.A.M.M.A Force mobile game via a wireless connection. There should be interconnectivity between the game and figure, such as something happening in game is reflected by the action figure. If time permits we are also to build a detachable weapon for the action figure.

Approach

-Consulted with sponsor for on project requirements to narrow down project scope
-Started 3D modeling process using Meshi.Ai as a point of reference
-Drew up schematic for electronics and researched the relevant parts it required
-Researched solutions for Unity connection using Bluetooth Low Energy
-Printed alpha prototype to verify joint functionality
-Refined alpha models and printed beta prototype using organic modeling tools
-Tested LED health bar array and sound effects using serial communication in place of Unity connection
-Further refined prototype for final model by increasing size to accommodate electronics and implementing Unity controller for Bluetooth communication
-Designed optional gun attachment for action figure after weapons from the game
-Presented final prototype to sponsor to verify that all project requirements had been met

Outcomes

-Sponsor will have a functioning prototype to showcase to potential investors
-Duration of prototyping phase of production reduced by over 500 working hours
-The project gave sponsor an introduction to the usefulness of additive manufacturing which will assist in further development of prototypes
-Sponsor is happy with progress and work from our group and intends to use the Penn State Capstone sponsorship again in the spring semester to continue work on this project