The OpenR2 Project is an open-source, community-driven initiative dedicated to the recreation, documentation, and modernization of the original R2-D2 droid from Star Wars, with a particular focus on engineering accuracy and historical authenticity. Drawing on vintage production materials, blueprints, and research into original components, the project aims to reverse-engineer and digitally archive the functional design of R2-D2, particularly the remote-controlled units built for the 1977 film.

Key goals of the project include:

• Digitization and preservation of original design documents, including the Alloy R2 specification list and internal correspondence from Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) and Peteric Engineering.

• Reconstruction of mechanical systems, including the iconic third-leg drop mechanism, dome rotation, and drivetrain used in the early "No. 3" unit.

• Open collaboration, providing CAD models, wiring diagrams, and control logic freely to builders, educators, and researchers under open licenses.

• Historical accuracy, distinguishing screen-used parts and production techniques from modern fan-made variations.

The OpenR2 Project represents a fusion of engineering preservation, fandom, and maker culture, ensuring that the legacy of one of cinema’s most beloved robots remains accessible, understandable, and reproducible for future generations.