Interstellar was one of the tent-pole sci-fi movie releases of 2014. The actual movie seemed to get mixed reviews (I dug it), but there was one thing everyone could agree on: the companion robot design was incredible! The robots just about stole the movie, delivering the humor of R2-D2 and C-3PO with the intonation of HAL 9000. To boot, they featured a phenomenal mechanical design, able to solve a variety of problems in straightforward, real-world ways. I went home after the movie convinced that I could make a working toy of the design and got to work. The alluring thing about the robots TARS and CASE (and KIPP!) is the way their blocky bodies can reconfigure along a couple of axes. For a big, DX style toy of the bots, I knew I wanted to be able to move parts along two axes seamlessly, which meant using magnets. The end result is a little complicated and awkward, like the real thing, but it does work! I made this first version in 1/12 scale to go alongside my 6″ figure collection.
I’ll be offering a smaller, 3 3/4″ scale version for sale in the near future, so check back here or follow me on Twitter and Instagram for news!
Here’s a shot of TARS alongside Star Wars Black 6″ Han Solo for scale. TARS is painted with Vallejo alcohol-based metallics for a smooth finish, and detailed with Monster Kolor and acrylics. I did the ‘face’ screen displays with waterslide decals, tinted with clear green paint. The name and logo were painted on using a 3D printed spray mask.
TARS in motion! Check after the jump for lots more photos.
Prometheus Rising Studios 
are these for sale?
This version is not, but I have another version that will be available soon!
Do you have a estimated price?
Not entirely sure yet, still have to get a few things figure out, but they should be pretty cheap.
When would be a good time to get back in touch when they’re for sale?
I don’t have a date locked up yet. You can follow updates to the site by signing up on the side, or by Liking my Facebook page linked above. That way you’ll always be up to date 🙂
Totally Awesome! I look forward to getting one of these if it ever becomes available.
I really like this. Is it possible to make a version to go with NECA’s 8 inch Interstellar figures? They seem to be the only licensed figures available but they are missing a robot companion.