Launch of Life in Animatronics
Lifestyle FashionThe unique life casting techniques have found favor in many other fields, such as prototyping tools, prosthetics, taxidermy, architectural restoration, and special effects for film and television. The advanced technology used in animatronics also incorporates life casting techniques in the initial stages of character creation.
Animatronics refers to the making and use of robotic devices to mimic a living being. The creatures can be humans, animals (such as dinosaurs and sharks), plant life, or even mythical creatures. Animatronics bring realistic features to inanimate objects so they can walk, talk, and perform other activities naturally. Movements could be mechanized or computer controlled.
Animatronics are widely used in movies (20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Jaws, ET, Jurassic Park, etc.), television, and advertising. This differs from computer animation in that the simulated creatures are physically present and move in front of the camera. Characters from various amusement parks also surprise visitors with the help of animatronics.
making the creatures
Animatronics uses puppets, models, and other figures that are then animated to emulate real movements. First, the character takes shape as a paper sketch and scale models are created for your approval.
Once approved, an internal support frame is carefully constructed using steel or sometimes even wood. Once the desired shape is achieved, the electronic and mechanical components are attached around the frame.
The figure is eventually covered with body shells that give it the shape and appearance of a real creature. Supple skin adheres to the exterior of the figure completing the realistic look.
The skin can be made of silicone, foam latex, or urethane. First a mold is made using alginate or clay. The mold must be the exact shape and size of the animatronic figure. The molds can be made in parts to allow for greater ease of use.
The body cast is reinforced with plaster bandages to form a shell cast. Once cured, it is carefully unmoulded and you will have captured the minute details that will be replicated on the skin model. An alginate mold should be used quickly as it tends to shrink. The silicone or latex is poured into the mold and allowed to cure. Once fully cured, the thin skin cast can be easily removed from the mold as the alginate does not stick to anything.
The cast will have a similar texture to real skin. It will also be flexible to allow facial and body movements as needed. The demoulded skin is cleaned and finished before being carefully attached to the figure.
The animatronic figure receives the finishing touches in the form of realistic eyes, teeth, hair, feathers, and other features. The necessary color pigments can be added to the skin during molding. Otherwise, special silicone/latex paints are used to color the figure as needed.
The figure is ready to be animated later as desired.