Animatronics: The Advanced Robotics Behind Movie Characters

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When movies like Alien, Jaws and ET hit the massive screen, computer-generated effects weren’t quite up to scratch when it came to bringing nonhuman characters to life. Instead, real-life robotic versions of the characters were built, with complex engineering and incredible artistry required. 

However, even now, when it’s possible to create virtual characters more realistic than ever before, some directors and computer graphics technicians still choose animatronics. as an example, many of the nonhuman characters in 2015’s Star Wars movie, The Force Awakens, were of course real-life moving robots, including BB-8. the explanation many give for using this system is that they like having the character present on set, rather than adding them in later. Some also argue that actors are ready to provides a better performance if the character is there to interact with and react to. 

One among the foremost groundbreaking samples of movie animatronics was the T-Rex in Jurassic Park. While many of the dinosaur’s running shots were created using CGI, the close-ups were all of a full-size, life-like robot that stood at seven metres tall and weighed over 4,000 kilograms. An animatronic of that size had never been created for a movie before, and it had to be much stronger and more believable than any amusement park robots. 

The T-Rex was originally intended to be a human-operated puppet, with large rods wont to move the pinnacle, tail and limbs. However, it soon became apparent that it might be too big for any human to be able to create the movements fast enough to form them realistic. Electric motors wouldn’t be quick enough either, so within the end hydraulics were used. 

The finished robot was so big that the ceiling of the workshop where it had been built had to be raised by almost four metres, and its base had to be anchored into the bottom to prevent it toppling over. it absolutely was dangerous too, as while gluing its skin in situ from the within, one among the crew got trapped in its belly when an influence cut caused it to maneuver. His colleagues had to prize open the jaws to drag him to safety.

Building a T-Rex For Jurassic Park

1. A metal skeleton. A fifth scale model of the T-Rex is sliced into pieces then each slice is scaled up and cut from wood. These wooden slices are then slotted onto a metal frame.

2. Sculpting the body. The main frame is roofed in network and fibreglass, then a layer of clay. the clay is sculpted to appear like T-Rex scales, and is a mould for the skin.

3. Mechanic movements. Alongside the sculpted T-Rex, a moving model is formed. A steel frame fitted with hydraulics creates the T-Rex’s movements at a speed of two metres per second.

4. Secure the skin. Moulded from the initial sculpture, the skin is pulled over a carbon fibre frame round the hydraulics. made up of foam and latex, it’s stitched and glued in place. 

5. Check mobility. Each possible movement is tested to confirm that the skin stretches but doesn't split or sag because the carbon fibre frame expands and contracts.

6. Finishing touches. The T-Rex’s forearms, eyeballs, tongue and teeth, which are mostly made of foam, are all secured into place, then it's able to be transported onto set.