Lifelike Robotic Head Prototype

Materials used PLA (3D printing), car filler, ease release, sandpaper (80/150/240/320/400), Smooth-On silicone, hot glue, M10 bolts, wood blocks & vices

Objective During the Spring 2025 semester, I worked as an undergraduate researcher for the Fluid Interfaces group at the MIT Media Lab, assisting in the development of a lifelike robotic head prototype modeled after the InMoov Head i2. My work involved crafting and molding silicone skin, performing mechanical repairs, and conducting electrical testing to ensure the prototype functioned reliably. I collaborated closely with the research team to refine the head’s features and performance, making it suitable for a study investigating human reactions to the uncanny valley. Through this project, I gained hands-on experience in robotics fabrication, learned new technical skills, and contributed to research that combined design, engineering, and human-computer interaction.

The Process