Animatronics is a term combining “animate” and “electronics,” referring to the technology used to create lifelike puppets or figures controlled electronically to move in natural or fluid ways. These figures can be preprogrammed or remotely controlled and are typically built with motors, hydraulics, pneumatics, and computer controls to imitate realistic movements and expressions. Animatronics often integrates puppetry, anatomy, and mechatronics for advanced lifelike portrayal.
Examples of animatronics include:
- Disney’s Audio-Animatronics, such as the figures in the Enchanted Tiki Room and Pirates of the Caribbean rides, where characters move and synchronize with prerecorded audio.
- “Otto,” a more advanced interactive figure by Disney that can see, hear, and react to the audience.
- The animatronic figures in theme parks often use silicone rubber skins, painted facial features, and natural hair wigs for realism.
- Animatronic dragons generating fire effects, and figures used in entertainment and films to represent life-like creatures or characters. Animatronics is widely used in movies, theme parks, and entertainment to bring otherwise static characters to life with realistic movements and expressions.