Because Baby Yoda from The MandalorianOpens in a new tab has managed to hack humanity’s limbic system with its cuteness, people are constantly churning out replicas of the snuggly alien. Some of which really float too; like this miniature RC hover-podOpens in a new tab, or this Mattel YodaOpens in a new tab that was sold at auction. Now, in another addition to the list of IRL floating Baby Yodas in our world, we have one from YouTuber the HacksmithOpens in a new tab. And it’s probably the most feature-complete one out there.
The Hacksmith, a.k.a. James Hobson, recently posted the above video to his YouTube channelOpens in a new tab. The Hacksmith and his team of fellow engineers have created countless real-life props like this floating B-Yod before. Including several others from The Mandalorian, as well as many types of wildly powerful lightsaberOpens in a new tab.
In the video, Hobson’s engineers show how they built the radio-controlled Baby Yoda—who’s known as “Grogu” in the series—using a CAD design, aluminum, “standard drone parts,” and an AI camera capable of object recognition.
Hacksmith Industries
Along with floating along just like the “real” Baby Yoda cradle, this one is also able to seal up its hood. Thanks to the AI cameraOpens in a new tab, the cradle even seals up automatically when a Storm Trooper approaches. (If somebody’s wearing so much as a cosplay helmet, that hood’s going up.)
The team reveals the final build around ten-and-a-half minutes into the video. And while—like so many YouTube engineering prototypes—we see room for improvement, the overall craft works well. The crib can float steadily at waist height, Baby Yoda looks comfortableOpens in a new tab (despite the fact the back of his head is missing), and the hood automatically seals up without a snag.
Hacksmith Industries
Now, the Hacksmith and company say their goal is to complete their set of IRL Mandalorian armor. Which will eventually include his jetpack and a flamethrowerOpens in a new tab. Because if here’s one thing you want near a flammable drone with a baby alien in it, it’s a flamethrower.
Feature image: Hacksmith IndustriesOpens in a new tab
