Animatronics

Animatronics (combining the words Animation and Electronics) describes the technique of electronically animating three-dimensional characters, either in movies, live theatre, museum & heritage or theme park attractions.
The term ‘Audio-Animatronics’ is a Disney trademark and describes the synchronisation of mechanical figures and an audio soundtrack. The early ‘AA’ figures were triggered by audio frequency pulses recorded on magnetic tape. 

[photo, above, shows a Digital Animation Control (DAC) console, on display at Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida]
[photo, right, shows a ‘bare’ animatronic figure at the Walt Disney: One Mans Dream Museum, Orlando, Florida]

Animatronics Timeline

There have been a number of leaps in technology, many by the Walt Disney company. 

Click on the links below for more details.

Enchanted Tiki Room (1963)

Abraham Lincoln (1964 World’s Fair, then Disneyland Resort)

The American Adventure, 1982

This huge technological achievement features 35 animatronic figures and features Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain in a number of scenes presented on ten different computer-controlled stages. One in particular features features Benjamin Franklin appearing to walk up stairs and across the stage.
The show consists of ten elevated platforms, each of which rises into view in turn, containing animatronics, scenery and furniture. 

 

A-100 (1989)

The Wicked Witch of the West (The Great Movie Ride, 1989)

A collaboration with Sarcos, the A-100 was the most advanced animatronic figure at the time. The Sarcos technology is only usable by Disney, under an exclusive licence.

The A-100 figures can also be seen in Pirates of the Caribbean – the Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) figures are remarkable.

Lucky the Dinosaur (2003)

Honda – Asimo (2000-2018)

The Creature Technology Company – Walking with Dinosaurs (2007-2015)

Project Kiwi – Groot (2021)

Free-roaming incredibly lifelike movements.

Disney’s The Imagineering Story

A must-watch on Disney+

Additional Notable Animatronics in theme parks

• Disneyland – Enchanted Tiki Room (1963)
• Disneyland – Pirates of the Caribbean (1967)
• Disneyland – Haunted Mansion (1969)
• Universal Studios Hollywood – Jurassic Park: The Ride [featuring dinosaurs by Sarcos)
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Shaman (The Na’vi River Journey, based on Avatar) (2017)

The Na’vi River Journey (2017 – present)

See also 

Rock Circus (1989 – 2001) Tussauds Group museum attraction in London
Chuck-E-Cheese (1977 – )

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