Stickman balance toy

Hmm, yes- and when I tried using triangles it didn't seem to do much at all. However, I've done the math on the moments caused by the different volume/masses, so I'm pretty confident it will work!
Thanks for the help and feedback everyone!

Yes, in fact even in the better cases, Blender game engine physics use a convex hull around the object : so holes can not work. There is an option in the Game menu "Show Physics Visualization" helps for understanding issues with collision detection and physics.

I'm not experienced with the GameEngine either - I think that would require python scripting to work because when I tried it out the objects flew off into the distance - I'm guessing the game engine can't handle pivots that well.. However you could mock up something similar - try putting a plane on top of a triangle with the same dimensions and put the stickman and bender symbol on either side and see if that works - that should at least give you an idea whether it will balance

Hi,
That's a good idea- unfortunately I lack the experience with the game engine to make it work. When I set it up as a dynamic object it either sits still a bit above where it should be or warps out of the system... although I could send you the blend file if you want to have a play?
Also, I'm not sure how the gameengine handles the masses of hollow objects.. :/
Ben

If you can find a way.. You can try out whether it will balance in the Blender Game Engine, just turn it on Dynamic objects and see if it works - However I'm not sure the pivot will work that well, so it might not be too accurate.

Hi,
Yes, the main arm is able to move. I used the volume calculating tool floating about the blenderartist forums to balance the weights so it _should_ balance flat- so if you tap either side, it will rock back and forth for a while.
Thanks for the feedback!

Cool idea. Did you design it so that the parts can move? I'd love to see a video of that once you've had it printed ;-)