Simple Eye Mechanism

Description

Having built a simple single-eye mechanism in the past, I wanted to improve on the design as well as making it more accessible to the maker community. The updated assembly uses parts that can easily be bought online, and almost all the components can be printed easily without supports. Designing the model in this way does sacrifice some functionality, but I'll be releasing an optimised design in the future. This project is ideal if you want to build a functional and realistic eye mechanism, but don't necessarily have access to tools like a lathe or speciality components.

Supplies

3D Printer Filament: PLA is fine although I'd recommend you use a good brand because some parts are quite small and fragile. ABS is good for making realistic eyes but not necessary.
6x SG90 Micro Servos: https://amzn.to/3TEXjpR
Various M2 and M3 screws although any screws roughly that size should work ok. A kit like this: https://amzn.to/2JOafVQ should cover you.
Arduino: This design was tested using a genuine Uno, but it's likely that any board which has SDA/SCL pins, 3 analogue inputs and a digital input will work. Arduino Uno: https://amzn.to/2JTs1Hs
16-Channel Servo Driver: https://amzn.to/4cijGsg
5V Power Supply, around 4A is more than enough: https://amzn.to/49Wqni0
A female DC power jack to match your power supply, to be soldered to the servo driver board: https://amzn.to/43j0KFC
2 axis Joystick: https://amzn.to/2NR4JnY
Potentiometer (optional): https://amzn.to/2r0nADS
Push-to-make switch (Some joysticks have this built in, but its easier to control when it’s separate: https://amzn.to/32Wnvyh )
10k Resistor: https://amzn.to/374seRU
Jumper cables: https://amzn.to/2NToCuw

Also, a pin vice hand drill might be useful for adjusting hole sizes: https://amzn.to/4afx7rb

Downloads

basic_eyemech_download_package.zip