Repurposed 3D Printer Now Functioning as Robotic Camera, Also Serves as Photogrammetry Rig for 3D Scanning

In a creative twist, YouTuber Ben Makes Everything, also known as Ben, has transformed an old, unused Creality Ender 3 3D printer into a functional robotic camera system. The video shared by Ben showcases the final project in action, as well as his creative process in building it.

The Ender 3's extremely precise stepper motors were put to good use in the creation of the robotic camera system, aiming for something cinematic. The robot interprets G-code files for movement, similar to a 3D printer, and these are created using a custom Python script.

Ben repurposed much of the frame and integrated practically all of the electronics into the camera rig, including the screen and original controller board. The camera can be moved up and down as well as forward and back, and the robot camera system has four motors: one for rotating a turntable, one for the tilt of the camera, and the last two for controlling the physical position of the camera in relation to the turntable.

The project's goals, as stated by Ben Makes Everything, included utilizing the Ender 3's precise stepper motors for something cinematic. The robot camera system was developed with the idea to create a system that can be used to both record video and work as a 3D scanner using photogrammetry.

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Ben's creation demonstrates the potential of revitalizing aging hardware into a useful tool. The Creality 3 runs Marlin firmware, an open-source software that can be programmed to control Ben's camera system. The robotic camera rig is designed to be used for both video recording and 3D scanning using photogrammetry.

For more projects by Ben Makes Everything, be sure to subscribe to his YouTube channel. Stay tuned for more innovative creations and repurposing ideas!