Audio-Animatronics are a form of robotics used at the Disney parks to create on-going magic for the guests.
'AA' has been used for many years in the Disney parks.
In 1955 Jungle Cruise opened. It had 130 figures, hydraulic movement and it was the first attractive to use 'AA'.
In 1963 the Enchanted Tiki Room opened. It had approximately 90 birds in it and used a solenoid coil. This was the first example of true Audio-Animatronics.
There are two types of Audio-Animatronics;
Pneumatics use compressed air, an example is 'It's a Small World'
Image from: http://kathrynfindingbalance.wordpress.com/2012/03/22/its-a-small-world-after-all/
Hydraulics is difficult to maintain due to leaks, an example is 'Splash Mountain' and 'Pirates of the Caribbean'.
Image from: http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2010/07/splash_mountain_part_two.html
Shrinking this technology is allowing for more human-like movement.
Each robot needs to be 'dressed' so that they look like the character they're representing. Most of them will have a body sock on to protect the costume from the mechanics.
Occasionally the costumes will get dirty and get rips and tears in. These costumes have to be cleaned or replaced and this is helped along by the detailed documentation they take of every model.
The fabrics for the costumes for the smaller models are selected and then scaled down to look realistic.
They are constantly updating the animatronics. For example, when the Pirates of the Caribbean film came out, the dog with the keys twitched its ear, however the model in the ride didn't and guests kept asking about it. So they built a new dog that did twitch its ear.
Image from: http://www.globalgiants.com/archives/2007/03/index3.html
The Process
- Body protector
- Fur/Skin
- Garment
- Accessories
The Body Protector
- To give the appearance of symmetry
- Shapes the body
- Protects the machinery
It is said that if you un-zip an animatronics fabric piece enough, you get a flat piece of fabric. The number of zips is needed as the robot cannot move its legs to 'climb' into a pair of jeans for example. The body protector is made of 4 way stretch lycra and the labels for the pieces are always at the centre back so you know where to start dressing from.
Seated figures are a huge challenge to dress.
All figures need to have one part of themselves attached to the floor so that they can be connected to a power source.
Image From: http://www.fundoofun.com/funny-videos/ursula-moves-into-her-lair-at-disney-california-adventure-park-entertainment/8524
There are many tips and tricks involved in dressing the animatronics. One trick is in the Haunted Mansion ride where they use see-through costumes and lighting effects to create the eerie looking characters.
Heat guns are used to create pleats etc.
Permanent wrinkles are put into fabrics to give the appearance of quick movement.
Advice
- Be open to unusual possibilities
- Traditional ideas don't always work
- Experiment A LOT
- Develop an artists eye
- Don't be afraid of failure
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