A YouTuber has transformed the official LEGO WALL-E set into a fully functional remote-controlled robot, adding movement, expressive animations, sound effects, and even a miniature taser while preserving the look of Pixar’s iconic waste-compacting robot.

The project was built by creator Crostplay2, who explaine his six-month build process in a recent video. The upgraded WALL-E uses an ESP32 microcontroller as its primary control system and is operated through a PlayStation 4 controller connected over Bluetooth.

Unlike a conventional RC setup using a transmitter and receiver, the creator opted for the PS4 controller because of its built-in buttons, touchpad, and motion sensors. Bluetooth communication was handled using the ESP32’s onboard capabilities and the Bluepad32 library.

According to the creator, getting the controller to work was among the hardest parts of the project due to Bluetooth pairing issues and authentication keys. In the video, Crostplay2 notes having little prior coding experience, describing the setup process as a major learning challenge.

From display model to moving robot

The conversion required more than simply adding electronics to the LEGO model. Standard LEGO components were not designed to interface with hobby motors, leading the creator to design custom 3D-printed mounts and LEGO-compatible drive gears.

The finished system uses a tank-style steering mechanism driven by two motors. Pulling the PS4 controller’s R2 trigger moves both tracks forward, while the joystick independently controls left and right movement for turning and pivoting.

Development, however, proved difficult. Crostplay2 said the project went through around ten motor driver boards during testing due to power backflow while uploading new firmware to the ESP32.

The issue occurred because the motor driver remained connected during programming, allowing current to flow back and damage the electronics. The problem was eventually solved by adding a small isolation switch that disconnects the system whenever new code is uploaded.

Servos, sounds and a surprising extra feature

Beyond movement, the project focused heavily on recreating WALL-E’s personality. Tiny micro servos hidden inside the body control the robot’s arms, front hatch, eye movement and head articulation. One of the more advanced additions uses the PS4 controller’s built-in gyroscope to move WALL-E’s head up and down by physically tilting the controller.

The original LEGO neck joint was also replaced. During testing, the creator found that the stock connection caused excessive wobbling while driving, leading to the development of a custom dual-rod mechanism designed to stabilize head movement.

A miniature display embedded in the chest recreates WALL-E’s charging interface using animated graphics. Because the ESP32 ran out of available pins, the screen was instead driven by a secondary Arduino Mini controller.

The robot also includes movie audio clips triggered through the controller touchpad and played through an onboard speaker system. Additional details include addressable NeoPixel LEDs that function as headlights, taillights and animated lighting effects.

In perhaps the least movie-accurate modification, Crostplay2 added a miniature 2,000-volt taser module controlled through a relay. The creator said the feature is now used in short social media videos where the robot burns objects for demonstration purposes.

The build currently has no public guide, although the project video outlines enough of the electronics, programming and mechanical design process for makers interested in attempting a similar conversion.