Project Type:

Vehicle, Hard Toy, 3D Printable

Meet Bixby, a cheerful little bee with a helicopter-inspired twist! This fully 3D-printable toy blends playful character design with mechanical engineering. Give Bixby a push, and an internal bevel-gear mechanism transfers the wheels’ rotation to the propeller, bringing his insect-inspired rotor blades to life. No batteries or motors required!

Designed for 3D printing, Bixby features a colorful, bee-inspired body, honeycomb-patterned eyes, custom wheel artwork, and four detailed rotor blades inspired by insect wings. Made from just eight 3D-printable parts, Bixby requires no screws, bearings, magnets, or additional hardware. Available in multicolor and single-color configurations, the design encourages makers to experiment with different filament colors and bring their own Bixby to life.

As 3D printing becomes more affordable and accessible, I want to share the joy of play through my original toy designs. Bixby reflects my passion for combining creativity, mechanical design, and hands-on making, giving anyone with access to a suitable 3D printer the opportunity to print, assemble, and enjoy a toy I’ve designed.

Print it. Build it. Play with it!

Click here to download Bixby on MakerWorld

Color Customization

Bixby comes in two print-ready options: a vibrant 6-color design showcasing his playful details, or a simple single-color version. Customize either with your own filament colors, from classic honeybee yellow and black to retro palettes or bold, unexpected combinations. Same lovable Bixby, endless possibilities, depending on your printer’s capabilities!

Print & Assemble!

Made from just eight 3D-printed components, including the body shells, wheels, propeller, and internal bevel gears, Bixby needs no screws, glue, or extra hardware.
A step-by-step illustrated assembly guide walks you through the process, with exploded views, labeled parts, and clear instructions to make assembly simple and enjoyable.

Functionality & Mechanism

Inside, the wheels drive two 45-degree bevel gears. They transfer motion from the horizontal axle to the vertical shaft, spinning four wing-inspired rotor blades. Push Bixby to bring this battery-free, motor-free mechanism to life!

Step-by-Step Assembly Instructions

The guide features an exploded view of Bixby’s eight 3D-printable components, clearly labeled parts, and step-by-step visuals showing how everything fits together. From installing the internal bevel gears to connecting the body shells and propeller, each stage is illustrated to make assembly straightforward. No screws, glue, or additional hardware are required; just your printed parts and the instructions to bring Bixby to life!

Click the image to download the step-by-step assembly instruction PDF!

3D Print Timelapse

Designed specifically for FDM 3D printing, Bixby’s components are engineered to balance visual detail, mechanical functionality, and printability. From intricate honeycomb textures to working bevel gears, each component is designed to be printed in PLA and assembled into a fully functional mechanical toy. The printing process transforms Bixby’s digital design into physical components, ready to be assembled into a playful, interactive creation.