Apparently BB-8, the roller droid, isn't a "stupid CGI effect" but an actual prop.

Cool.

http://www.polygon.com/2014/12/12/7385691/star-wars-droid-force-awakens

I still don't really care for the design as a droid but I want one.

I'm gonna echo tophat. I actually kind of hate the design, but I want one. I want those droids delivering pizza in all major cities.

I think the design is awesome. And I'd also love one in my house to chase around

BB-8 has nothing on R2-D2. I'll take the trash can over the soccer ball any day.

I think BB-8 is a contender. I'm also impressed that it's a practical effect, and that DOES more or less prove my theory on its wheels being shaped like (\|/). Which is in and of itself a feat to pull off.

I like the little guy. It's nice to see a brand new Astromech design.

I designed an astromech once, by the way.



Thing is it was the most original I could come up with (aside from, har har, the red and black color scheme but there's great reasoning for that color scheme.)

So it's really, really refreshing to see non trash can droids in Star Wars.

I like your astromech.

I REALLY don't like BB. But, we'll see how he fits into the film.

BB is the main character, later on he learns to use the force and has a ball shaped lightsabre.

BB can't be any more annoying than C3PO.

Apparently BB-8, the roller droid, isn't a "stupid CGI effect" but an actual prop. Cool. http://www.polygon.com/2014/12/12/7385691/star-wars-droid-force-awakens

It does get points from me for not being "stupid CGI effect" but its still a stupid design.

STUPID, I HATE IT and I'm ready to get blasted and don't care!

SHEEOPLE.......

OK. The actual design is lame, but in this context, it works.

They see me rollin'

They Hatin'

It's not a great design, but it's a better design than R2-D2.

It's not a great design, but it's a better design than R2-D2.

R2-D2 is an iconic design, like the X-Wing, TIE Fighter, and Milennium Falcon.

That doesn't mean any of those designs are actually good however. In fact they're kind of awful, the only decent one being the TIE Fighter, and even then its gigantic wings make it not so great.

But yeah.

Aside from trying to figure out how the "head" is attached to a ball shaped body I could see it being a fairly effective means of locomotion assuming the balance compensation keeps up. As a movement style it's certainly no worse than the Droideka.

Chopper is the best.

Aside from trying to figure out how the "head" is attached to a ball shaped body I could see it being a fairly effective means of locomotion assuming the balance compensation keeps up. As a movement style it's certainly no worse than the Droideka.

Not sure if it's omnidirectional. Might be split down the middle with the head resting on the ring that bisects the two hemispheres.

They see me rollin'

They Hatin'

I know in my heart the think I'm droid and nerdy!

Aside from trying to figure out how the "head" is attached to a ball shaped body I could see it being a fairly effective means of locomotion assuming the balance compensation keeps up. As a movement style it's certainly no worse than the Droideka.

I thought the droideka was kind of ingenious really.

As far as the shape goes...

Here, I made this for you guys. This is my theory on how BB-8 moves. Wheels are tilted, head is not (duh) magnetically attached, the wheels allow for solid control and the more important servos, systems, can be situated higher up where less moving parts are, reducing shock and potential damage. So if you guys want your answer as to how BB-8 moves, there it is.

It's not at all unlike a Dwemer Sphere from The Elder Scrolls.

Beep-Eep & a Boop-Oop!

Chopper is the best.

I love the noises he makes.

"BOP, BOP. WHOP WHOP WHOP, BAAAAAAAAH, BOP, BOP."

Beep-Eep & a Boop-Oop!

Eep Op Ork Ah Ah.

BAH WEEP GHRAHNA WEEP NINNY BOHN!

Bah Weep Ghrahna Weep Ninny Bohn?