Don’t Roll Your Eyes…Unless You Have a 3D Printed Bionic Eyeball Module

Sometimes you just have to cut loose and have some fun and what better time to do that than Halloween, right? Before you start worrying about what you are going to 3D print your loved ones for Christmas, or at least before others start suggesting that you should worry about it, take some time to bask in the creative opportunities of 3D printing for the creepiest of all American holidays (unless you count Valentine’s Day…)

One of the most entertaining contributions that 3D printing has made to the ghastliness of the 31^st is the Bionic Eye Module. This is a 3D printed, servo powered mechanical eyeball module that can be fitted into a pair of standard sized goggles. What’s so great about this eyeball is that it moves, rolling around in the socket like a crazed billiard ball. It requires two sub-micro sized servos and a bit of magic from an Adafruit Trinket to control the freakish movement, and three triple A batteries to bring the whole contraption to life.

The team that brings you the Bionic Eyeball Module has taken a page from the wonderfully ridiculous warnings that accompany nearly every product on the American market and includes this helpful notice:

“It is not necessary to poke an eye out to complete this project. In fact, we strongly recommend keeping your natural eyes intact. But do use caution when wearing the 3D-Printed Bionic Eye. It will impair your vision.”

Luckily, it doesn’t have to impair your charm. And, you can always wear the goggles on the back of your head while you are walking around so that you don’t lose your depth perception. Most likely this should not be operated by those who are intoxicated, may be pregnant, or suffer from a heart condition. Although maybe that’s exactly the audience this product needs. The creators brag in beautifully composed jargon followed by a refreshing dose of practicality:

“This advanced ocular appliance gives you a close up view of the inner workings of a 3D printed bionic eye. Of course, you won’t be able to see anything else out of that eye, but hey, it looks cool and that’s what counts!”

You can paint or use permanent markers to customize the iris and pupil to whatever your tastes might dictate. So, don’t worry that just because you don’t have the baby blues shown in the product site’s picture that you won’t be able to pull off a realistic bionic eyeball through goggle gag.

And, what the heck, this might just make the perfect Christmas present.  Let us know your thoughts on this crazy 3D printed contraption in the 3D Printed Bionic Eye forum thread on 3DPB.com.