The Making of An Animatronic Character

Prototype

Craig

imitating

art.

Burt's

insides.

"Burt Burner" is my first animatronic character. He can move his eyes back and forth, raise his eyebrows, open his mouth, and rotate his entire body. Someday, Burt hopes to grow up to be a talking potholder gameshow host (for a children's museum). But his real hope is to someday become a real boy.

This is the first prototype. It is basically a proof of principle and a test of what I could do with some bits of wood, plastic, and a few servos. So far, so good. But there is a long way to go.

Burt Goes Metallic

The new version of Burt is made out of brass. He should do a bit better now trying to survive the rigors of of museum life.

Burt has a friend, Miss Grits, also under construction.

The Final Version

This is the final version of Burt. The museum made the form of the character as a fiberglass shell. I built and installed the controls for the eyes, eyebrows, and mouth. He has yet to be painted.

Rotation base

This rotates the Burt back and forth.

Marquee lights

These lights will be around the base of Burt's stage. They will blink in sequence. The lights look sort of like neon, but they are smaller and flexible.

Simulated Gas Burner

Four simulated gas burners for the stovetop where Burt will live.

Close-up of simulated gas burner

Close-up of gas burner lit (the lights flicker randomly to add to the effect)