Animatronic Skeleton

Well this project was completed a while back, but its just nearing the Halloween season, so its fitting in a way!

I was approached by a popular theme park to retrofit an animatronic character that features in one of their shows. The original workings had become old and worn out, so a whole new system had to be manufactured.

Can you tell what it is yet?

This actually forms the mechanical backbone of a skeleton and the base for the stool that he sits on.

The 'backbone' was designed to contain and support all of the mechanical elements of the upper body of the skeleton.

As you can see from this picture, the mechanisms are mostly hidden from view. The skeleton is to be partially dressed, which will hide any obvious mechanisms. 

The mechanisms enabled movement of 2 arm sections, 1 leg, head and mouth. The movement is controlled by means of pneumatic cylinders and valves.

Some short clips showing the different mechanisms working.