The evolution of the animatronic figures we saw in the past and see today in theme parks is the result of advances in the field of engineering. From the initial predictable and robotic movement mechanisms, which were based on hydraulic and pneumatic systems, we have moved on to hyper-realistic creations. The qualitative leap is enormous.
The mechanisms created by the pioneers of animatronics to move their characters and figures, with their formidable power, produced large-scale movements. However, their nature often resulted in abrupt actions, lacking the delicacy and fluidity necessary for the subtle gestures that convey emotions in theme parks today.
Today’s animatronic figures and characters operate with clockwork precision. The brute force of hydraulics and pneumatics has been replaced by a complex network of hundreds of small, silent electric servomotors. Each of these actuators is dedicated to a specific micro-movement: one controls the slight arching of an eyebrow, another the almost imperceptible curvature of a lip, and a third the delicate turning of a finger. This technology allows for fluid articulation and the recreation of complex facial expressions with astonishing realism.
An example of this cutting-edge technology is the Shaman of Songs, the world’s most advanced animatronic, located in the Pandora: The World of Avatar theme park at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Its hypnotic fluidity, subtle gestures and expressive facial depth represent the culmination of this evolution.
By Francisco Lozano, MEP engineer in the Architecture Department at Amusement Logic
