Astromech (R2D2 types)

Loading/Unloading

Droids are fairly heavy and some may require assembly, depending on how they are transported. Ideally our members would like a location near to the venue where they can get their car to and unload. A covered area is preferred incase of inclement weather.

Also, the surface should be reasonably smooth. (no cobbles, grass, etc.)

Required Space

This will depend on the number of droids you want and are available. If there are just one or two droids then no fixed space may be necessary, just an area where the droid can be put safely out of the way of the attendees when the operator needs a break.

If there are more droids, a stand/booth with a table may be a good idea. This will give the operators somewhere to store tools and park the droids up. For instance, a 4m x 6m area with two 6ft tables will fit about 6-8 droids

Capabilities

All the droids have different capabilities, but most are mobile and have lights/sounds. Depending on the surface of the venue they can move around the event and interact with the attendees.

Expectations

All our members love to entertain and will happily drive the droids around to interact with people. It is worth bearing in mind that these are hobby items, and members may not want the attendees to be hands on with the droids and will intervene if people start to handle the droids (politely, of course).

They are also complex pieces of equipment, so there is a possibility of on the fly repairs being done. Please communicate with the members at the event if you want to limit the breaking of any ‘magic’, especially for younger attendees.

That being said, we are also more than happy to talk about how the droid works, and open them up for people to look into. We love getting the public interested in building droids.

Often a droid will be accompanied by not just the owner/operator, but also a spotter to help keep an eye on things.

Limitations

R2 style droids require smooth surfaces to roll around on ideally. Very few of them can do any form of ‘off-road’ such as grass. Also, stairs are problematic. If the venue has good wheelchair access then it should be fine.