Christina Ernst is not your average Halloween costume creator. Instead of scrambling to find something in her closet or rushing to a store before it’s picked clean, she heads to her lab to work her magic. By day, she is a software engineer, but by night, she transforms into a fashion mad scientist, combining creativity with technological innovation. Known as @shebuildsrobots on TikTok, the 27-year-old Chicagoan specializes in crafting “wearable tech” that blurs the lines between fashion and technology.
This year, Ernst set out to pay homage to the beloved 2007 Disney/Pixar film, Ratatouille. Inspired by the tale of a culinary-minded rat named Remy who controls a human by manipulating his movements, she embarked on creating a fully functional animatronic version of the lovable rodent chef. Using her 3D printer, tiny motors, clever coding skills, and input from her fans, Ernst brought her real-life Remy to life.
“I love making fun, wearable tech projects, and with Halloween approaching, I saw this as a perfect opportunity,” Ernst explains. The cultural significance and lasting popularity of Ratatouille, despite being a standalone movie released over a decade ago, motivated her to take on this whimsical project. The idea of a rat guiding a human through the kitchen struck her as a fun and creative challenge.
Documenting her project’s progress on her website and TikTok channel, where she boasts over 82,000 followers, Ernst received an overwhelmingly positive response. While social media can be a breeding ground for negativity, she found her community to be supportive and helpful. Suggestions poured in, with some fans recommending coding the tiny robot rat to mimic her arm movements.
Despite facing trolls who question her technical abilities and suggest she’s a mere figurehead for male engineers, Ernst remains undeterred. The most rewarding comments for her are those from young women inspired to pursue engineering after seeing her work. This positive feedback takes her back to her roots as a “math nerd” who combined her love for math with fashion by creating her own clothing.
Her journey into wearable tech began in college when she showcased a Bluetooth-controlled, light-up, color-changing dress at a Hackathon. The overwhelming response from girls and young women eager to learn coding sparked a realization for Ernst. She found a way to merge her creative expression with her passion for inspiring more girls to enter STEM fields.
Today, Ernst serves as the Maker in Residence at the Chicago Public Library, teaching coding classes and designing a wearable tech dress inspired by Chicago’s history. She is set to appear on the STEM-themed CBS series, Mission Unstoppable with Miranda Cosgrove, mentoring young women interested in engineering. While she dreams of tackling bigger projects like a tech look based on the Met Gala theme, she remains focused on perfecting Remy before Halloween.
Unexpectedly, her project caught the attention of comedian and actor Patton Oswalt, the voice of Remy in Ratatouille. His reaction to her creation left Ernst feeling honored and validated in her work. As she continues to inspire and empower young women through her wearable tech projects, Ernst’s journey is a testament to the intersection of creativity, technology, and empowerment in the world of engineering.
