1987 Robocop prop robot arm recreation (help welcome)

savmagoett

Well-Known Member
Hello everyone :) This robot arm in the birth scene of Robocop made an impression on me as a kid. Together with the endoskeleton arm reveal scene from T2, it triggered my fascination for robots hands.
It was constructed by Rob Bottin and featured some parts of the final Robocop armor suit, such as the upper arm, and bits from the hand (fingertips, palm). As usual, it was wire controlled off-screen by a group of puppeteers, the same way the T2 endo arm was.
Sadly this beauty is not exposed anywhere, I learned that Rob Bottin has it (Phil Tippet told me a few years ago). Given Bottin's complete retirement from movie industry, I doubt we will ever see it again.
So, I endeavor to recreate one myself. I'm beginning with a 3D model, that I may animate a bit (I will have to learn some new things in C4D for that ;) ). I don't know whether I will build a real thing after that, the entire thing would be too much for my apartment, maybe just the arm, or just the forearm, I'll see.
Here is some WIP renders of the 3D model for now.
Robocop Arm 3D 08.jpg
Robocop Arm 3D 01.jpg

During this exploration I noticed some interesting things about the prop:
-the curious knob next to the auricular, probably an abandoned idea, maybe a weapon, or another version of the interface needle. Anyways, it makes all the fingers sitting tighter together
-the two main articulation points (shoulder and elbow) are off centered, I'll illustrate that later
-the triangular elbow hinge is slightly rotated along its longitudinal axis (not in my model), and is only one sided (my model was two sided in this render)
-there is some kind of counterweight at the opposite side of the shoulder-chest part
The pictures below are all I have (thx to Nick Daring btw), apart from the scene from the film (which is of low quality due to the video effect), and some poor quality making of videos (links below). I would appreciate if some of you have other reference pictures to share, or can identify some parts.
013.jpg

attachment-1.jpg

Робокоп-фильмы-&#.jpeg
Робокоп-фильмы-&#.jpeg


Another behind the scene from Dailymotion (embeding not working)
[video]http://dai.ly/x9dn6q[/video]
 
Last edited:
Love that you're tackling that particular project (love obscure props/models)...that "On-Off" button is a funny details on that arm btw. Eager to see the next update:thumbsup
 
Some progress…

I Begun the basic shape of the shoulder-chest and stand, some tubing in the shoulder, worked the arm tubes a little. The armor piece is evolving as well.

Robocop Arm 3D 08b.jpg
Robocop Arm 3D 09.jpg


I'm modeling all the armor of the arm too by the way (the hand is very basic here).

Robocop Arm 3D 10b.jpg
 
Last edited:
This thread is more than 5 years old.

Your message may be considered spam for the following reasons:

  1. This thread hasn't been active in some time. A new post in this thread might not contribute constructively to this discussion after so long.
If you wish to reply despite these issues, check the box below before replying.
Be aware that malicious compliance may result in more severe penalties.
Back
Top