ZHUYUAN HE

Controller Design & Innovation: The core of Robot Run lies in its innovative two-part controller: a 3D-modeled character ball and a precisely engineered plate. The ball's design mirrors the in-game character, enhancing immersion. The plate features an arc-shaped surface, naturally centering the ball and facilitating smooth, responsive movement. This design allows players to easily control the character by subtly tilting the plate in various directions (left, right, forward, backward), translating physical lean into intuitive on-screen motion. The controller itself was 3D-printed with a laser-cut top lid and powered by Arduino, showcasing an integration of physical product design with embedded systems.

Game Objectives & Mechanics: The primary objective of the game is to guide the robot character through a series of challenging levels, navigating platforms without falling. As the player tilts the physical controller, the robot on the screen mirrors these movements, demanding precision and spatial awareness. The game environment was developed in Unity, providing a robust platform for simulating complex physics and visual interactions.

Outcome: Robot Run serves as a compelling demonstration of how physical interaction can be seamlessly integrated with digital gameplay, creating a deeply immersive experience. This project not only delivered a fully functional game and controller but also provided valuable insights into the possibilities of simulating dynamic character movement through intuitive physical input. The development process, including its making and user testing, highlights the iterative nature of design and engineering in creating innovative interactive systems.