I asked ChatGPT to turn me into an action figure to join the viral AI trend, and the result had me laughing—an impressive rock star figurine in skin-tight leather, rated for ages 4 and up. This amusing "Barbie box" action figure trend has spread widely on social media lately. Although its origin is unclear, many people are sharing images of themselves as packaged toys. Here’s how to use an AI chatbot to create and even 3D print your own personalized action figure. **Creating your AI action figure:** 1. Start with ChatGPT, which now offers free image generation (up to 15 images daily for free users). 2. Upload a full-body photo via the chat interface; I used a blurry shot from my archives, which worked. 3. Provide style preferences—outfit, pose, accessories, name, and packaging style (e. g. , retro or modern). I kept it vague: a rock star with a guitar and retro packaging. 4. Wait for the AI to generate the image, then download and share it on social media. 5. If unsatisfied, ask for adjustments. My tweaks ranged from blue jeans and a pink guitar to spiky blonde hair, sometimes making the image less accurate or weird, like ending up with extra fingers or out-of-place limbs. Perfection isn’t guaranteed, but it’s fun. **3D printing your figure:** James Bricknell, CNET’s 3D printing expert, took this further by turning ChatGPT images into real 3D prints using AI tools. 1. Edit your image by cropping out excess artwork, focusing on the figure with a plain background. Minor adjustments may be needed for clear details (like separating glasses from eyebrows). 2. Use Maker World’s Maker Lab, by Bambu Lab, to convert images into 3D models. Sign up free, then upload your cropped image to generate a 3D printable model. It may take a few tries to get it right; removing backgrounds can help.

You spend credits only when downloading the final model, allowing multiple attempts. 3. Download the model in . OBJ format, compatible with most 3D printing slicers (e. g. , Bambu Studio or Prusa Slicer). Run repair functions if needed. 4. Prepare your model for printing—color painting can be done if your printer supports it. Ensure supports are enabled, especially if the figure lacks flat feet. 5. Print your model. Using a Bambu Lab H2D printer, a full-color print took just over 11 hours; single-color prints are faster. I scaled the model up 150% due to its small initial size and added supports to protect delicate parts like arms and glasses. I also printed accessories, like a small VR headset, to enhance the figure. 6. Enjoy your miniature “Mini Me” action figure!This simple process, aided by AI, saves countless modeling hours. Although not perfect or fully articulated like professional models, it’s a fun project. **AI action figure inspiration:** Social media features many creative examples: - The UK's Royal Mail posted a cute “Postie” figure with an envelope and safety vest on Instagram. - A Seinfeld fan account created accurate character figures, notably Kramer. - Even pets get the treatment—Bear, a German shepherd with 134, 000 followers, looks great as a toy. ChatGPT is surprisingly good at transforming full-body photos into toy-like images that bring laughs and spark creativity. As a rock musician myself, ChatGPT’s rendition matched my stage style (though it made me look like a female Bruce Springsteen). Rock on, ChatGPT!