Autonomatronics
Autonomatronics is a registered trademark for a form of robotics created by Walt Disney Imagineering for shows and attractions at Disney theme parks. It is an advanced form of Disney's Audio-Animatronics technology.
Creation and Development
The original Audio-Animatronics technology used hydraulics to operate robotic figures according to a pre-programmed show. The new Autonomatronics technology uses an electrically driven figure and can include sophisticated cameras and sensors to give the figure the ability to make choices about what to say and do.[1][2] Disney unveiled the first-ever interactive figure, "Otto," that can hear, see and sense actions in the room. The figure can hold conversations and react to the audience, according to Disney Imagineering Executive Vice President Scott Trowbridge.[1]
In December 2009, Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln returned to Disneyland in California using the new Autonomatronics technology. Imagineer Scott Trowbridge is hopeful that the Indiana Jones Adventure will be similarly updated.[2]
References
- ^ a b Disney Parks Blog, Disney Autonomatronics Figure Can Sense If You’re Happy, posted September 28th, 2009 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks, http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/tag/autonomatronics/
- ^ a b Theme Park Insider, Disneyland's Mr. Lincoln debuts Disney's next generation of animatronic storytelling, Published: December 17, 2009, By Robert Niles, http://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/200912/1593/