Animatronics
Animatronics is a type of robot that work to provide life like abilities for a particular purpose. The animated object doesn’t have artificial intelligence though so it is only able to repeat what it is programmed to do. Many amusement parks and exhibits use animatronics to bring their displays to life.
The concept of animatronics was introduced by engineers who worked for Walt Disney. The most popular Disneyland and Disney World attractions still feature this concept in the Small World ride, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Country Bears, and the Tiki Room.
Other creators followed the lead from Disney to make a variety of illusions. In addition to being used in theme parks around the world, animatronics can be found in museums, children’s themed hang outs, and in recreations of the old west.
There are plenty of working parts behind the scenes for animatronics to work successfully. Hydraulics are the most common addition as it can assist with making the parts of the creation move. In order to choreograph the various actions taking place analogs were used. This helped each part of the animatronics procession to react at the right time.
The materials used for animatronics are very durable. Silicon and rubber are common materials used. To make sure they are all looking great and working properly routine maintenance is conducted. This includes making sure the hydraulics are oiled and not leaking, and completing touch ups to the clothing and the paint of each animated item.
Most animatronics are designed to look as real as possible. This means a great deal of attention is paid to small details. Eye color, clothing, hairstyles, and even the size of the animation all have to be carefully calculated. Some animatronics can even shake their hips and wink their eyes so you get the feeling they are doing it just for you.
With the advances in technology the motions of animatronics are much better than they were a decade ago. The movements are now able to resemble those that an actual person would perform rather than seeming to be mechanical or robotic in nature. Shock absorbers are used to make the entire process flow nicely. The goal is to give the illusion that the person is experiencing something as it happens, not something that takes place over and over again.
