For those who had seen Jurassic Park might have thought that those mighty dinosaurs we saw chasing scientists were done by CG (Computer Graphics). Well, some (or most) are infact done by graphics but few scenes were shot by using Animatronics.
What is Animatronics? Animatronics is the use of electronics and robotics in mechanised puppets to make them appear to be alive. First they will draw the sketches of the dinosaur and then create a mold (smaller than how they want it in the screen) out of that sketch.
This miniature scale model called maquette.
Once they are satisfied with the maquette then they will create the full size mold. The molds are made from an epoxy that is very durable and has strong bonding characteristics.
Once the mold is ready, then they will start adding those hydraulics which will actually form the creature. The frame is put together and then the mechanical systems are put in place. As each component is added, it is checked to ensure that it moves properly and doesn't interfere with other components. Most of the electronic components are then connected to the mechanical systems they will control. The controls have been tested with the mechanical systems prior to final assembly, but the systems are checked again.
The people that control the animatronic figure are called puppeteers, because that is all that an animatronic device is -- a sophisticated puppet. These puppeteers are skilled actors in their own right and will spend some time with the animatronic figure learning its range of movements. The puppeteers are determining what movements make the animatronic figure look angry, surprised, hungry or any other emotions or moods that are called for in the script.
In a nutshell, an animatronics device is radio-controlled device like RadioControlled remote car but in big size, much more realistic, much more detailed and much more complexed.
Ok, though the technology I put in simple words are pretty much complexed, I am sure now you have an idea about the overall picture.
Let's get into action. Watch a video that used the above technology:
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