How to Build a 3D Printed Animatronic Eye with Arduino

The 3D printed animatronic eye system is controlled centrally by an Arduino Uno microcontroller, which coordinates the precise physical movements of the mechanism. The core motion is driven by six SG90 micro servo motors. Each servo motor contains an integrated DC motor, a gear train, and a feedback potentiometer, allowing it to receive control signals and move to specific angular positions. The Arduino Uno generates Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) signals through its digital input/output pins, utilizing the Arduino IDE's standard Servo library to manage the timing pulses. These PWM signals dictate the exact shaft position for each of the six servos, which are mechanically linked via 3D printed PLA structural components and secured using M2, M3, and M4 screws. Power and control signals are routed from the Arduino to the servos using a breadboard, pinheaders, and jumper cables, distributing the necessary voltage and ground lines while channeling individual control data to each motor. By altering the PWM duty cycle sent to the individual servos, the microcontroller can independently manipulate multiple axes of motion within the 3D printed eye assembly, simulating realistic blinking, gazing, and tracking behaviors.