Our Story
The Droid Builders Club movement is a passionate, global community of makers, engineers, hobbyists, and Star Wars enthusiasts who collaborate to design, build, and showcase life-sized, functional replicas of droids from the Star Wars universe—most famously R2-D2, BB-8, and other astromech models. Rooted in fandom and craftsmanship, the movement emphasizes screen accuracy, engineering creativity, and community spirit, blending science fiction inspiration with real-world technical skill.
The movement originated in the late 1990s, notably with the founding of the R2-D2 Builders Club, an online forum where fans shared blueprints, electronics tips, and photos of their builds. What started as a niche group has since grown into a sprawling international network with thousands of members. The popularity of the prequel trilogy in the early 2000s and the resurgence of the franchise under Disney further accelerated interest, expanding the scope from R2 units to newer droids like BB-8, D-O, Chopper, and even dark side droids like K-2SO and Imperial probe droids.
While there's no single global governing body, the movement is largely self-regulated and community-driven. Builders typically join regional clubs—such as the UK R2 Builders, German R2 Builders, or Droid Builders USA—and collaborate through dedicated forums, Discord channels, Facebook groups, and major conventions like Star Wars Celebration, Maker Faire, Comic-Con, and regional expos. Many clubs maintain open-source design files and offer mentorship for newcomers, making the community highly inclusive and welcoming.
Members use a variety of materials—from 3D-printed plastic to CNC-machined aluminum—to replicate droids with astonishing detail and often functional features. Advanced builds include motorized movement, rotating heads, lights, sound effects, remote controls, and even AI integrations. Many builders treat their droids as ongoing projects, continuously upgrading them with new technology such as Arduino microcontrollers, Raspberry Pi boards, or app-based controls.
A defining trait of the Droid Builders movement is its commitment to public engagement. Builders frequently bring their droids to children’s hospitals, STEM education events, and charity fundraisers, delighting fans and sparking interest in robotics and engineering. The movement thus sits at a unique intersection of fandom, philanthropy, and STEM advocacy.
Lucasfilm and Disney have embraced the movement, occasionally collaborating with master builders or inviting them to official events. Some fan-made droids have even appeared in official Star Wars media. The Droid Builders Club is often cited as one of the most organized and technically accomplished fan communities in the world, admired for blending pop culture passion with engineering ingenuity
In essence, the Droid Builders Club movement is more than just a fan activity—it's a living, growing embodiment of DIY creativity and technological exploration, driven by a shared love for storytelling and innovation.
In essence, the Droid Builders Club movement is more than just a fan activity—it's a living, growing embodiment of DIY creativity and technological exploration, driven by a shared love for storytelling and innovation.
Rationale for Establishing a Droid Builders Club Malaysia
Establishing a Droid Builders Club Malaysia offers a unique opportunity to unite local Star Wars enthusiasts, makers, engineers, and STEM learners in a creative and educational community.
By combining fandom with hands-on robotics, 3D printing, electronics, and coding, the club can foster innovation and technical skills among Malaysians of all ages.
It can also serve as a platform for promoting STEM education, supporting local Maker and DIY movements, and participating in charity events, sci-fi conventions, and pop culture expos.
With growing interest in robotics and digital fabrication in Malaysia, the club would not only celebrate pop culture but also contribute to the development of a vibrant, tech-savvy, and collaborative community.
Presented as part of SciFi Festival Malaysia 2025
Join renowned Malaysian Droid Builder enthusiasts Mark Tan and Daryl Alvisse for an immersive 4-day hands-on workshop dedicated to the exciting world of Star Wars-inspired droid creation. Whether you're a maker, hobbyist, fan, or aspiring builder, this workshop offers a rare opportunity to dive deep into the art and science of droid building—from concept to completion.
Join renowned Malaysian Droid Builder enthusiasts Mark Tan and Daryl Alvisse for an immersive 4-day hands-on workshop dedicated to the exciting world of Star Wars-inspired droid creation. Whether you're a maker, hobbyist, fan, or aspiring builder, this workshop offers a rare opportunity to dive deep into the art and science of droid building—from concept to completion.
- 1. Introduction to Droid Building Concepts
Gain insights into the design philosophy, structure, and essential mechanics behind some of the galaxy’s most iconic droids. - 2. Tool Familiarisation: 3D Printing & More
Learn to operate 3D printers and related tools used in fabrication. Participants will explore slicing software, print settings, and printer maintenance. - 3. Designs and Materials
Discover key design techniques, the best materials for strength and accuracy, and the basics of digital modeling. - 4. Post-Printing Processes
Understand how to clean, refine, and finish your prints through sanding, priming, and assembly for durable, screen-accurate results. - 5. Post-Production Care & Usage
Learn best practices for storing, maintaining, and even operating completed droid units for display or event use.
Registered participants will engage directly in:
- • 3D printing and preparation of droid components
- • Assembly, wiring (for select builds), and painting
- • Final decoration and customisation of droid replicas
All participants will be invited to join the newly launched Droid Builders Club Malaysia, officially unveiled during the SciFi Festival Malaysia 2025, happening 3rd–6th July at Evolve Concept Mall. Club membership offers access to future builds, meetups, showcases, and collaborative events nationwide.
This workshop is ideal for hobbyists, educators, students, and fans of Star Wars and robotics. No prior experience is required—just curiosity and creativity. Spaces are limited, so early registration is encouraged.
This workshop is ideal for hobbyists, educators, students, and fans of Star Wars and robotics. No prior experience is required—just curiosity and creativity. Spaces are limited, so early registration is encouraged.
- • Participation is free, but registration of interest is required.
- • Registered participants can choose their own timings to attend during the 4-day period, based on personal availability.
- • Activities will take place at the Droid Builders Club Malaysia booth, located within the festival grounds.
- • Informal sharing sessions by Mark and Daryl will be conducted throughout each day, covering topics from droid design and 3D printing to assembly and finishing.
- • A selection of semi-finished parts and droids will be available for hands-on learning, interaction, and purchase at cost for those who wish to take home a completed unit.
- • The Droid Builders Club Malaysia will be organised as an informal network based at the STEM4ALL Makerspace at Evolve Concept Mall, a year-round hub for activities, meetups, and builds.
- • The club is open to all ages and skill levels, offering a welcoming environment for hobbyists, students, educators, and Star Wars fans interested in robotics, 3D printing, and DIY innovation.
- • In addition to regular workshops and build sessions, the club will have a strong presence at SciFi Festival events annually, serving as a focal point for Malaysian droid builders to gather, learn, and inspire others.
Linkages
The Droid Builders Club Malaysia will be a strategic partner of the Star Wars Fan Club and other Fan Clubs in the Science Fiction universe, the STEM4ALL Makerspace and the Sci Fiction Festival series.