For 44 years, R2-D2 has charmed several generations of Star Wars fans across three different trilogies. Now those fans can have their very own iconic astromech droid helping about the household as much as a mobile-operated replica can.
Fanhome and Lucasfilm have announced a half-sized R2-D2 equipped with a video and still camera. The little droid will be fully controllable via mobile phone app. The droid is available through a subscription to Fanhome, which is a leader in subscription-based collectibles. Every month, subscribers will receive a piece of R2-D2 and a fully illustrated 16-page magazine providing insight into the droid, both behind-the-scenes and beyond the screen.
The half-sized model uses parts created to look just like the original Star Wars props, though it will feature state-of-the-art modern electric components. Fanhome's R2-D2 replica takes inspiration from the remote-controlled film prop. The half-scale model R2-D2 is engineered in the same way and has been authentically detailed based on the films.
When it comes to features, the R2-D2 replica will have both a user-directed mode accessible through an app, and an 'AI' mode with independent movement. R2-D2's sensors and motors will allow it to interact with its environment, just like in the Star Wars films. The model will also include a rotating metal dome with a built-in camera, extendable and foldable arms and speakers and microphones so the droid can respond to verbal commands using the same chirps, whistles and lights that R2-D2 communicates with in the films.
If that weren't exciting enough, The droid will also project images of Princess Leia or Luke Skywalker. Just like in Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi, the R2-D2 replica will possess a hidden compartment holding Luke Skywalker’s lightsaber, which will pop up on demand via the app.
Within Star Wars canon, R2-D2 was manufactured by Industrial Automation. Though he was introduced in Star Wars: A New Hope, his involvement in the Skywalker saga began much earlier, as shown in Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace, which saw him introduced to both Padmé Amidala and Anakin Skywalker, helping both to evade Trade Federation troops and ships.
After the fall of the Jedi Temple on Coruscant and the rise of Emperor Palpatine, R2-D2 was left with his longtime droid friend and companion C-3PO, whose memory was erased. He remained a faithful companion to the Skywalker family, which is why Leia Organa trusted the astromech droid to carry a message to Obi-Wan Kenobi on Tatooine, which R2 did accomplish before going on to help see the destruction of the Death Star and the collapse of the Empire.
Source: Fanhome
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