Engineer Concocts Animatronic Ratatouille Halloween Costume

TikToker Christina Ernst, a 27-year-old Chicago-based software engineer also known as @shebuildsrobots on the social media app, enjoys crafting what she dubs “wearable tech,” a blend of creativity and technological genius.

“I like things that are whimsical, things that look more magical than technical,” says Ernst.

This is how she ended up paying a little tribute to the 2007 Disney/Pixar film "Ratatouille," a fantasy story of a culinary-minded rat who takes over a human, recklessly leading him through a restaurant kitchen by pulling on his hair and moving his arms.

For Ernst's take on "Remy," she built a functional animatronic of the rodent with the help of a 3D printer, small motors, a mix of coding, and fan feedback.

“I love making fun, wearable tech projects and with Halloween coming up I thought this was a great opportunity,” she says. “Everyone knows Ratatouille, even though it was a movie with no sequels and came out over a decade ago now…I thought it would be a fun little project.” 

Ernst chronicled the steps of her project on her website and TikTok channel, home to her 82,000 followers.

With help of technology like 3D printers and laser cutters, which Ernst calls her “power tools,” she found what she describes as a means to mix her passion for creativity with a desire to inspire girls to consider careers in science and technology.

Beyond Remy, Ernst is also designing a wearable tech dress inspired by Chicago's history to be displayed in the city library’s windows during the holidays. Also, this November, look for Ernst on the STEM-themed CBS series "Mission Unstoppable" with Miranda Cosgrove, encouraging engineering-curious young women. 

To view the TikTok reel, click here.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.