Model Pictures

Robot Evaluation

Over the course of 19 weeks I was given the task of creating a robot sidekick, to get started I done some research of the current market and futuristic characters to take inspiration from. Now I have completed my model I am reflecting on the work I have done seeing its benefits and flaws.

As I briefly explained before my model had to fit the brief of a robot sidekick, this opened many pathways of ideas that would all fit the spectrum, after my initial design to create a robot that looks cute and friendly, I later changed it to have many of the same features but more stern looking and more agile. Now I have finished I can say I have full confidence it has met this criteria as it has CCTV cameras, a storage compartment on his chest and grabber hands these features were added to give the model "efficient and agile” look meaning it can protect its self but still access most areas despite the terrain if needed to whilst still looking small and innocent. I completely believe my robot is a great sidekick due to the fact it is compact, fierce and well equipped making it very practical in most if not all situations. I ensured it would be fit for purpose by taking inspiration from other successful sidekicks and merging the characteristics. The main resemblance would be from Wall-e the robot from the film Wall -e the model sees a resemblance to Wall-e in the sense that it is compact, it ability to drive over most terrain and especially the wheels, the robots main reliance to manoeuvre. To ensure it had the full package I incorporated weapons seen on AT-ST’s from Star Wars such as the guns on the side of my model. All these factors combine ensure my model is successful.

When creating my model I had to ensure it was successful by using a variety of different modelling tools and skills such as: Booleans, extruding, bevel and UV mapping. Firstly, I incorporated a dropped edge around the door to my models chest storage compartment, I copied the main body and shrunk it in size, used Booleans to remove the area where they were in contact leaving me with the whole compartment sunk so I used the other copy of the body and placed it in the centre of the sunken area, I done this very effectively as the end product looked exactly how I imagined it and I believe it has enhanced the overall look and feel of the robot meaning deviating from my original plan has improved the robot. I also had to use extrusion to make the abnormal shapes seen on my model such as the main body. I did this by selecting the faces manipulating the shape and angle however, I had to ensure it was symmetrical as my model contains many clean lines.  

 

I incorporated many different shapes into my design and I used a combination of shapes to make smaller objects such as CCTV cameras and circuit boards. My most complex objects is most likely the circuit board seen through the transparent window in the chest compartment of my model, this is because it took a long time to create it and I have used different skills such and Booleans, this circuit board has many different shapes on it and it is very detailed, with the colours I have used it was very realistic. Texturing was probably my biggest challenge through the whole project, firstly I had to ensure all the edges of the texture lined up by using a texture map checker, the I had to source appropriate textures or create my own and then apply them, as easy as it sounds this process was very time consuming however I am happy with the final result, In the end I used the ENV chrome texture on Maya I changed it to this after I had feedback saying the metal texture was too dark.   

In order for the model to be rendered there must be lighting, this was also harder than anticipated as all the lights were very bright and it was hard to find a medium that was now to bright it took the colour away from the model but not to dark that you could’t see the models intricate details. I resolved this problem with many minor adjustments to the intensity and different positioning.   

I had eight non-bias responses to my model; all of the participants were around the age of my target audience. The feedback they gave me was that overall the model needs to stand out a bit more however there was a variety of age groups that they thought the model was directed at, most answers were above the audience I targeted at so I may have to make some adjustment and make the same people re-take the survey. I believe this was due to the dark textures. 7/8 people said that it suits the title of a “robot sidekick”.   

Overall, I believe that my model was very successful, as I had created a model that fits the brief on software I had never seen or used before meaning I have also personally accomplished a hurdle. As the project progress my confidence of the software grew and reflecting on my work I wish I chose a more complex design to start off with however my lack of knowledge for the software lead me to choose a more simple design. I can now take the skills that I have learnt into new projects. The hardest part of this project was dealing with unfamiliar software however, I feel that I achieved the best that I could with what I knew and I now have a successful model.  

Final Robot

This is my final robot with all my improvements made. I much prefer this new model and I feel its much more suited for my target market with its subtle looking approachability yet versatile functionality. With the grabber claw hands and tripod wheels makes the robot able to access almost all areas.

Texture Research

Artificial Tree

This texture is for my artificial tree, I tried to choose stereotypical features of a natural tree to really tie this this man made afticial tree to its natural roots. I feel the bright colours will make this piece very attractive.

http://www.mayang.com/textures/Plants/images/Repetitive%20Plants%20Textures/young_leaves_5132526.JPG

http://cdn01.pelfusion.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/wood-texture-26.jpg

The texture on the first bin is one of Maya's origional textures, it is chrome. I feel this texture looks very slick and would suit a modern enviroment. The bins are "vapourising bins" meaning rubbish is thrown into them it is instantly vaporised therefore the scond bin has more of a caution feel as it has warning tape around the edge.

http://www.psdgraphics.com/file/old-hazard-stripes-texture.jpg

http://cdn.designbeep.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/4.free-metal-textures.jpg

 I will use the same texture as the one seen on the bin for some parts of my vehicle, I am going to use it to subtley tie the assets together, It shows that the vehicle is rubust and built to last. The pod on the front of this vehicle can be used on different vehicles which I have created too. These vehicles will all use the same metal texture for the body. I will use this for must vehicles. The texture seen below will be the texture for the tires.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3363/3191999320_c5921b739b.jpg



For my buildings I will use Mayas textures especially the chrome, I would like all the assets in my enviromets to look similar with the same feel and by using Maya's chrome texture I will be able to tie all of the assets to ensure all of my assets are of a high quality.



To create the windows in the buildings I will simply apply a more shiny base texture such as Phong E, change the colour to white or light blue and then increase the transparency, from my testers this is a very successful method in which I will put into practice when creating my enviroment.


This planning document was created to allow me to be prepared when going into creative stage. I had all of the textures prepared and ready so I know my target audience will like them and be suited. This also makes the creation stage also more effecient and therefore, cost effective as it will enable me to spend less time on it.

Scedule Robot

Pictures of model

Asset journal

My first asset is an artificial tree, this is designed to share similarities with a real tree from nature but include a modern flair that gives it a stylish/classy look that will fit in my futuristic city. I took my inspiration for the tree from a real tree and a new Japanese concept of an artificial tree.

My second asset is vaporising bin, when rubbish is thrown into it and it falls to the bottom lasers vaporise the litter meaning there will be not need to empty the bins saving time and money. The bin was inspired by a standard bin seen on the streets today however I wanted to add a modern characteristic that would ensure it suits the style of my futuristic city.

Thirdly I have designed a central cab that will be attached to a compartment/trailer, depending on what the vehicle will be used for will depend on the compartment they use. I have currently designed 2 compartments for the cab to be attached to: one is an enforcement truck with a water cannon on top for crowd control, this was inspired by an airport fire truck however "THE ENFORCER" can also be used as an ambulance or police car in a case of emergency such as a riot. The other compartment is designed to be a family saloon that would be very practical to a family. I plan to also make a van compartment that can be used for work. 

My final component is a skyscraper, my design was inspired my modern architecture and the introduction of bringing technology into the designs of buildings therefore the central hub of my building will rotate ensuring the apartment within that section a new view constantly. The main shape reflects and old school sand timer as the curves and lines were very clean and would suit a futuristic city.  

This is my second skyscraper, this has a lot more complex shapes and took a lot longer to make. This was inspired by the Taipei skyscraper in Taiwan, as you can see the building looks staggered and segregated, this is because each floor will be for different activities 

This is my shop front, I created this with the intention of it not having to use humans to run. To ensure it will be ok with no human staff it has a mechanical claw out the front, it also has a has a heavy duty CCTV camera that can move along the top of the shop to gain better angles. It also has a rotary door to control the flow of customers and stop the store getting over busy.

This is another shop I made, it is an apple store, I created this with the intention of not being large or a focal feature however it catches your eye if you look closely at the unconventional shape. I also created an interior for this asset as I made the walls transparent.

I created 4 different vehicles in total, the enforcer, a motorbike, a car and a helicopter, The are shown below in that order.

My final asset is a skyscraper, it is made up of 3 separate building connected by a tunnel, the building can retract in to make it structurally stronger in the case of an earthquake or other natural disasters. I merged all the windows to the building using Booleans.