Can robots really cook food? And will it clean the kitchen after we eat?
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A 7 yo was asking his father and the father was desperately looking for some devine help in addition to all his genius to answer the question in a way so it does not bring follow-up questions.
Preschoolers and school going kids are creative curious. Let them ask questions.
Majority of the children are at their best level of curiosity and imagination for topics like……
With that incident we started looking for children and parents who talk frequently about robots and robotics and try to prepare a comprehensive list of interesting questions kids normally ask about robots and robotics.
Here are 89 questions about robots and robotics that your kids may ask you. Or you too can ask to your kids to build a conversation about robotics. This should be a great supportive read to Robotics for kids – a complete guide for parents and teachers.
Q 1. What is a robot?
A robot is like a cool, smart machine that can do tasks all by itself. It’s like a helper without a heartbeat!
Q 2. Can robots have feelings?
Nope, robots don’t have feelings. They’re more like super good listeners and doers.
Q 3. Do robots eat food?
Nah, robots don’t snack. They get their energy from batteries and electricity.
Q 4. How do robots talk?
Robots can talk with beeps, boops, and sometimes even with voices like funny computer friends. They use speakers to say what they want to say.
Q 5. Can robots be friends?
Robots can be good helpers in doing things, but they don’t feel emotions like us.
Q 6. Can a robot do everything?
Robots are awesome, but they have their special talents. They can’t do everything, but what they can do, they rock at!
Q 7. Can robots play games?
Totally! Robots can play games like chess, table tennis, basket ball, hide-and-seek (but they’re not the best hiders!), and even dance games.
Q 8. How do robots know where to go?
Robots use their cameras and sensors to see and understand where they are.
Q 9. Can robots be superheroes?
Robots can be like mini superheroes in some jobs, but they don’t wear capes or fly like in comics.
Q 10. How are robots made?
Clever people called engineers, designers and programmers make robots. They use metal, circuits, and computer coding to bring robots to life!
Q 11. Can robots think like humans?
Robots are super smart, but they don’t think like humans do.
Q 12. Can robots do homework?
Sure thing, robots can help with homework.
Q 13. Do robots make mistakes?
Yep, even robots goof up sometimes. But guess what? They learn from those oopsies!
Q 14. Can robots build other robots?
Imagine a robot making a robot friend! It’s like robot magic, and yes, robots can help build other robots.
Q 15. How do robots understand different languages?
Robots have special ears called microphones and smart brains that learn words in different languages. Talk to them, and they’ll try to understand!
Q 16. Can robots feel pain?
Nope, robots don’t feel pain like we do. They’re made of tough stuff and don’t ouchie like us.
Q 17. Are there robot animals?
There are robot dogs, cats, and even fish that swim without water. They’re like pets from a futuristic world!
Q 18. How do robots learn new things?
Robots learn by practicing and using their super memory. They’re like brainy students who never forget.
Q 19. Can robots wear clothes?
Some robots wear special coverings to protect them or help them do jobs. But they don’t need fashion shows!
Q 20. Do robots have families?
Robots don’t have families like us, but they can have robot friends that they work and play with!
Q 21. Can robots play with toys?
Robots might not play with toys the way we do, but they have their own special games that they love.
Q 22. How do robots see things?
Robots have eyes called cameras that help them see like superheroes with super-vision goggles!
Q 23. Can robots dance?
You bet! Robots can break out some funky moves and boogie down like dance floor champs.
Q 24. Can robots get wet?
Most robots don’t like getting wet, but some can handle a little splash sometimes.
Q 25. Do robots get tired?
Robots are like the Energizer Bunny – they keep going and going without needing naps!
Q 26. How do robots know what to do?
Robots are super smart because they have instructions and programs that tell them exactly what to do, like a list of fun tasks.
Q 27. Can robots talk to animals?
Robots use their beeps, boops, and lights to communicate, but animals might not always understand them. They’re like robot chatterboxes!
Q 28. Can robots have pets?
Robots don’t feel love like humans do, but they can pretend to have pet-like friends. Maybe robot and pet adventures together?
Q 29. Will robots take over the world?
Nope, robots are our helpful pals, not world rulers. They’re like high-tech sidekicks!
Q 30. Can robots feel happy or sad?
Robots don’t feel emotions like humans do, but they can show happiness or sadness with lights and sounds.
Q 31. Are there robot doctors?
Yes, robot doctors called “surgical robots” help human doctors with tricky surgeries.
Q 32. Can robots dream?
Robots don’t sleep, so they can’t dream like us.
Q 33. How do robots move without legs?
Some robots roll like cool skateboarders, others have wheels, and some even fly like magical drones!
Q 34. Can robots build houses?
Yep, robots can help build houses, and they’re like speedy construction wizards with tools.
Q 35. Are there robots in space?
Absolutely! Robots like satellites and rovers explore space and send us awesome space selfies.
Q 36. Can robots do art and create things?
You got it! Robots can make art, design things, and even build amazing structures.
Q 37. Can robots fly like birds?
Some robots are built to fly just like birds, soaring in the sky and exploring the world from above.
Q 38. Can robots take a bath?
Nope, robots don’t need baths like we do. Water can be a bit tricky for them!
Q 39. Do robots have birthdays?
Robots don’t age like us, but we can celebrate the day they were made as a robot’s “birthday.”
Q 40. Can robots sing songs?
Yes, robots can sing songs with their beeps and boops! They’re like musical robots.
Q 41. How do robots learn to be helpful?
Clever engineers teach robots how to be helpful by writing special instructions and programs.
Q 42. Can robots do magic tricks?
Robots can do tricks that look like magic, but they use their tech skills to make the magic happen!
Q 43. Can robots fix broken toys?
Some robots can help fix things.
Q 44. Can robots fall in love?
Nope, robots don’t feel love.
Q 45. Are there robot police officers?
In the future, there might be robot helpers for police officers, but they won’t wear badges or drive police cars like in movies.
Q 46. Can robots be creative and come up with new ideas?
Robots can be creative in their own way. They use special algorithms to generate new ideas and solutions.
Q 47. How do robots recharge their energy?
Just like superheroes at a power station, robots plug in to charge their batteries or get energy from the sun!
Q 48. Are there underwater robots?
You bet! Underwater robots explore oceans and lakes, helping us learn about amazing underwater worlds.
Q 49. Can robots build bridges?
Robots can help with bridge-building, especially in tough or dangerous places where humans might find it tricky.
Q 50. How do robots avoid bumping into things?
Robots have super sensors and cameras that work like their own set of eyes, helping them “see” and dodge obstacles.
Q 51. Can robots help clean the house?
Yes, there are robots designed to help with cleaning tasks.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Animatronic Animals. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
Q 52. How do robots know when someone needs help?
They might use sensors to detect people or things that need assistance.
Q 53. Can robots plant flowers?
There are robots that can help with planting and gardening tasks.
Q 54. Do robots have special robot schools?
No, robots don’t go to school, but they are designed by smart people.
Q 55. Can robots go to space?
Yes, robots have been sent to space to explore and gather information.
Q 56. Do robots have pets of their own?
No, robots don’t have pets, but some look like animals!
Q 57. Can robots play hide and seek?
Yes, some robots can play simple games like that.
Q 58. How do robots learn to share?
Robots are programmed to work together and share tasks.
Q 59. Can robots fix broken playgrounds?
Robots can be used by people to help fix things, including playgrounds.
Q 60. Do robots get scared of thunderstorms?
No, robots don’t have feelings like fear.
Q 61. Can robots play musical instruments?
Some robots can be programmed to play instruments.
Q 62. How do robots talk to each other?
They might use special signals or codes to communicate.
Q 63. Can robots help take care of babies?
Some robots are designed to assist with baby care tasks.
Q 64. Do robots ever go on vacations?
Robots don’t have feelings, so they don’t go on vacations, but they can be moved to different places!
Q 65. Can robots tell jokes?
Some robots can be programmed to tell jokes, and stories too!
Q 66. Do robots have names?
Some robots have names given to them by their creators or owners.
Q 67. Can robots swim in the ocean?
Yes, there are robots designed to explore the ocean’s depths.
Q 68. How do robots know when it’s time to go to bed?
They might be programmed to recharge when they need energy.
Q 69. Can robots paint pictures?
Yes, some robots have started creating art!
Q 70. How do robots remember things?
They store information in their computer “brains.”
Q 71. Can robots build and repair cars?
Yes, robots help make cars in factories and can assist in repairs.
Q 72. Are there robots that explore other planets?
Yes, rovers have explored Mars, for example.
Q 73. Can robots have different personalities?
They can have different behaviors based on their programming.
Q 74. How do robots make decisions?
They follow instructions in their programming to make decisions.
Q 75. Can robots do art better than humans?
They can create art, but humans add emotions and creativity.
Q 76. Are there robots that help protect the environment?
Yes, robots can help clean up pollution and monitor ecosystems.
Q 77. Can robots feel empathy for humans?
Robots don’t have feelings like humans do, but they can be programmed to respond empathetically.
Q 78. How do robots interact with humans without touching them?
They can use sensors and cameras to “see” and “hear” people.
Q 79. Can robots play sports?
Some robots are designed for specific sports or games.
Q 80. Are there robots that help with farming?
Yes, robots can help with planting and harvesting crops.
Q 81. Can robots perform in movies or shows?
Yes, robots can be programmed to perform in entertainment.
Q 82. How do robots learn new skills?
They are programmed with algorithms that enable them to learn from data.
Q 83. Can robots build a time machine?
Time machines like in movies are not real, so robots can’t build them.
Q 84. Are there robots that study animals and nature?
Yes, robots can help scientists study wildlife and ecosystems.
Q 85. Can robots create their own inventions?
They can generate new ideas through algorithms, but it’s not exactly like human invention.
Q 86.Can robots write stories or books?
Yes, some robots can generate stories using algorithms.
Q 87. How do robots learn from their mistakes?
They use data and programming to improve after making mistakes.
Q 88. Can robots build skyscrapers?
Robots can be used to assist in construction, including skyscrapers.
Q 89. Are there robots that can heal sick people?
There are robots used in medicine, but they can’t heal like humans can.
Phew!!!!
Children may ask questions based on their interest and exposure. These are just some of the examples. Be prepared for new as well as followup questions.
Your can try this Robotics Quiz as well
Good luck…
What kind of animatronic figures do we create?
We design and fabricate animated figures of any size, scope and level of sophistication. No job is too large or too small. We have created single, small characters for display in homes and/or retail locations. We have created figures to educate, entertain, inform, scare, assist and serve people of all ages. We can give a personality to any character and animate any thing: a lamp, a rock, a product, a tree, a house, a car—literally anything. Their sizes can range from a simple butterfly, up to and including the world’s largest animated figures for the world’s greatest theme parks. We create humans, animals, cartoon characters, dinosaurs, birds, robots, and just about everything else.
How much do animatronics cost?
Animatronics are unique works of technology and art. They are labor intensive, and, depending on their complexity and level of detail, can be very expensive. We have more experience in designing and building animatronics than any other company in the world. Our figures are built with exceptional quality and unmatched experience with the very best methods and components. Our figures (and all our other creations) are built for durability and ease of maintenance. We strive to provide the best value for your dollar. We know that there are smaller, cheaper, and less experienced companies out there, but we are often asked to replace their equipment! Benjamin Franklin once said, "The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten." We know how much this quote applies to animatronics, too.
Although most of our figures are custom, one-of-a-kind creations, we do have some "off the shelf" animatronics, like our TropiTronics animatronic parrots from GHP Products, LLC. These theme park-quality animatronic parrots have 8 or 12 functions and pricing starts at $11,999.00.
We have created custom animatronics from tiny songbirds small enough to fit in the palm of a hand to giant animated creatures nearly sixty feet tall. Figures have ranged from around $10,000.00 to well over $1,000,000.00 for just one figure. Detail, scale, fluidity of motion, and many other factors contribute to how much the unique design and fabrication of world-class animatronics will cost. Here are some more factors to keep in mind that will help determine price:
1) We like to relate the cost of our animatronics to the cost of a car. How much does a car cost? The answer is a very wide spectrum, and animatronics are similiar. Cars all have an engine, four wheels, doors, and they can move forward and backward and steer left and right. But there's a world of difference between a basic Chevrolet, and the highest end Mercedes. There's even a big spread between the Mercedes and the newest Ferrari model. In the same way, animatronics can have a single basic function with very little detail, or have more than a hundred functions and exceptionally detailed finishing.
So, the first question for potential animatronics customers is: what kind of car do you want?!
2) What type (human, animal, creature, etc.), size, level of detail is the figure? Have we done it before?
3) How many functions will the figure have, and how are they powered? Are they analog or digital, pneumatic or hydraulic or electric?
4) Will it require special controls, or compliance? Are there special safety considerations (like overhead safety)?
5) Will the client require the ability to program the figure? Will we need to provide a programming console?
6) Is there speciality engineering or safety analysis required?
7) Will the figure be indoors or outside, or under water?
8) Will the figure have a costume, or will it be furred?
9) How much skin will be visible? Will it be silicone or a hard fiberglass shell?
10) Is it a standard shape like a human, or is it an original and unique design? Do we need to sculpt it?
11) Do we provide anything else: props, stage, scripting, music, audio recording, air compressor, hydraulic pump?
If you have a specific inquiry for us, please fill in an inquiry form.
How do animatronic figures work?
Animatronic figures are most often powered by pneumatics (compressed air), and, in special instances, hydraulics (pressurized oil), or by electrical means. The figures are custom precision machines—robotic devices—built to the dimensions and proportions of living creatures. They incorporate mechanical frames that are precision machined of stainless steel and aluminum alloys, with joints placed in natural joint positions, determined by careful study of biomechanics. Motion actuators, similar to "muscles” are placed within this frame to create motion in limbs and joints. The machinery is covered with body shell and flexible skins made of hard and soft plastic materials. The figure is then finished to add coloring, hair, feathers, and other touches that add detail and finalize the work. Costuming is next completed, and the figure’s animation control computer is programmed by an animator, enabling it to perform in a realistic, lifelike manner, synchronized with sound and other effects. Find out more about how we create animatronic characters by taking the virtual tour.
Do we do likenesses?
Yes, we have created many likenesses of celebrities, presidents, historic personalities, athletes, and other influential individuals. We also create animals based on real or famous creatures. In some cases, if the person to be created is living, we will take a laser scan of their body (see Design & Production FAQ) and if needed and allowed, a life mask is taken of the individual’s face. In any case, we can create exact likenesses for either static or animatronic recreations.
What makes your animals better than taxidermy mounts?
Every creature made by Garner Holt Productions is a faithful recreation of its counterpart found in nature. Unlike the realism of taxidermy mounts, however, we use only synthetic materials for our animal creations: fur, eyes, teeth, claws, and most feathers. The only items taken from real creatures include feathers from domestic commercial fowl, which does not harm the creatures. Additionally, our animals have a much longer "lifespan” than taxidermy animals, which tend to deteriorate with time.
How long do they take to build?
Most figures we build are unique and custom creations, unless created in a series. Depending on the complexity, size of the figure, and how customized the creation is, the lead-time can vary greatly from a matter of weeks to several months. We are very experienced in our craft, and can produce animatronics very quickly. But with a greater allowance of time, our product will naturally reflect a greater level of involvement. Although tight timeframes can often be accomplished, such constraints are always costlier for the buyer.
Are animatronic figures reliable? How often do they need maintenance?
Our animated figures are built with the finest, time-proven components available. We pride ourselves in our designs and workmanship, with more than three decades’ experience designing and building animatronic figures. Figures are mechanical, and any complex machine needs maintenance. Wear parts such as bearings, cylinders, costumes and others need to be maintained, and replaced when they reach their life expectancy. It is best to inspect animatronics at least once per week in order to keep them running at optimal performance. It is always better to be aware of a potential problem than to trace a malfunction when it appears.
Can I repair or maintain the animatronics myself?
Animatronic figures can be maintained by the buyer, if one has reasonable mechanical skills and tools available. Our figures and products include maintenance and parts manuals. The manuals provide instructions on component replacement, troubleshooting, and general maintenance. Assistance is always available by from technicians at Garner Holt Productions.
What about changing the programming?
The buyer can reprogram a figure, but it is best left to the experts. Assistance from Garner Holt Productions is available to reprogram when needed. Changing a figure’s program can be a very involved process. Our mechanical and electrical systems are straight forward, and any computer-literate person willing to learn the skills to operate a programming console and the software can accomplish the programming task. The aesthetic results will be subject to the individual's experience, skill and ability to "act” via an animatronic character.
What animals do you make?
The extent of our animal creations knows no bounds. We can build literally any animal that crawls, slithers, walks, swims, or flies. Here is a list of the animals we have created to date - check out our animal and bird gallery:
What makes your animals better than taxidermy mounts?
Every creature made by Garner Holt Productions is a faithful recreation of its counterpart found in nature. Unlike the realism of taxidermy mounts, however, we use only synthetic materials for our animal creations: fur, eyes, teeth, claws, and most feathers. The only items taken from real creatures include feathers from domestic commercial fowl, which does not harm the creatures. Additionally, our animals have a much longer "lifespan” than taxidermy animals, which tend to deteriorate with time.
Bird Creations FAQ
What kinds of birds do you make?
We can match nature for variety and appeal of our bird creations. Animatronic, static, realistic or caricatured, living or extinct, we can create any bird required. Here is a list of birds we've created already:
Show action systems and animated props create an environment of action, excitement and danger, thrilling young and old alike. These realistic mechanical effects can be as simple as a floating spaceship, parting waterfalls, a traveling ore car, a giant rocking boat, or as complex as a falling Jeep or a collapsing bridge. They are generally used as elements that support the show atmosphere and environment. In many cases, these systems simulate dangerous situations that put the audience in what seems to be real peril. But in reality, what they are experiencing is a result of highly sophisticated machinery, most often, carefully hidden from the guests’ view. They are exquisitely engineered, continuous duty "safe” events that create a show or ride atmosphere happening over and over, hundreds of times a day, safely and reliably. With safety our number one concern, all systems are carefully engineered, analyzed, and are rigorously tested to ensure that safety is never compromised.
Whatever the requirement, Garner Holt Productions leads the way as one of the foremost manufacturers of show action systems, animated props, and special effects. Our fantastic, breathtaking effects consistently amaze and surprise audiences in all venues. We are proud that our systems are trusted and respected by the world’s largest entertainment companies. Some of our systems include:
* Revolving Turntables - Slides
* Scenery Movers -Automatic Doors
* Track Mounted Carriages -Shaker Tables
* Pneumatic & Hydraulic Machinery
* Simulators
* Multi-ton Lifts and Turntables
* Rotating Rooms
* Hydraulic Platforms
* Collapsing Systems
* Animated Props
* Interactive Systems and Exhibits
In addition to full-size, powered parade floats we have produced a number of atmospheric entertainment items, mini-floats, carts, and wagons. These elements are most often used to support an entertainment program, usually based on a specific theme. Performers use these units as a base to pull, drive, or pedal on-stage to perform on or around. They usually contain audio systems, lighting, and other show elements and effects to enhance the show. Our experience at Garner Holt Productions includes:
* Float Chassis / Drive Units
* Special Effects
* Animatronic Figures and Puppets
* Puppeteer Controlled Characters
* Performer Costumes
* Show Action Elements
* Scenic Elements
* Audio Systems (onboard & transmission)
* Performer Restraints
* Lighting / FX Lighting
* Electrical Parade Effects
* Float Tow Bar Units
* Inflatables
We also create support equipment such as:
* People Powered Vehicles
* Dance Props & Musical Instruments
* Performance Art Elements
* Walk-Around Puppets & Characters
* Inflatable Walk-Around Characters
Garner Holt Productions has created dozens of incredible special effects for venues throughout the world. Our work in adding a "wow” to attractions has included:
• Water FX / Waterfalls / Floods
• Lasers (Real & Simulated)
• Levitation
• Water Cannons / Water Blasts
• Air Cannons / Wind
• Lighting FX
• Projections / Optical Effects
• Atmosphere – (Lightning, Rain, Snow)
• Flame / Fire / Explosion
• Peppers Ghost
• Fiber Optics
• High Voltage Effects
• Audio FX
• Mechanical FX
• Unique Electronic Devices
• Scent Cannons
• Mist / Fog
• Neon (Real & Simulated)
• Fountains / Dancing Water
• Liquid Effects
• Black Light / UV Effects
• Flame FX / Cannon
Design and Production Services & Capabilities
PLEASE SEE OUR GHP CREATIVE DESIGN SECTION FOR MORE DETAIL
Our line of amazing products is complimented by our ability to help flesh-out the initial sparks of a concept into something ready to be built. Our designers and artists can add life to your idea and prepare it for production. Additionally, our production facility is capable of creating many things completely unrelated to our normal line of work. Contact us for help in milling, Waterjet cutting, paint, and fiberglass work.
• Our artists are proficient in all manner of graphic interpretations of ideas, as well as sculpture and model-making. We are also well-versed in computer-generated (CG) character design and previsualization of characters as well as complete attractions. This includes ride-through, individual scene, and guest/character interaction.
• With some of the most useful scenic tools available today - multiple vacuum formers, roto-molders, a Mitsubishi Waterjet, seven-axis Kuka Industrial Robot, plural hard-coat systems, as well as laser scanners and others, GHP Real Dimension is one of the most modern and complete scenic shops in the industry.
• Our Finishing Department is capable of finely hand and airbrushed painted finishes, on all substrates, using Nova colors, enamels, polyurethane and acrylics. We also specialize in harsh environment and outdoor finishes, as well as difficult materials like silicones, urethanes and vinyl. All of our paint booths are AQMD rated.
• Our Scenic Painting Department is highly skilled in the most complex finishes and effects for both visible white and ultraviolet light.
Garner Holt Productions, Inc.’s mechanical and creative design capabilities include: FMEA, COSMOS software, Solidworks Premium V10 which includes, but is not limited to: Solidworks Simulation (previously COSMOS), Solidworks Motion, AutoCAD LT V, Mechanical Desktop V6, RISA-3D Ver.8, ScanStudio HD, Roland 3D Editor, Delcam Tribyrd Model Suite 10, SketchUp Pro 7 3D Modeler, Adobe CS5, Spotlight Renderworks, 3D Studio Max, Z Brush Auto CAD, Solidworks, and Maya softwares.
Our Electronic Department is capable of surface mount board-level design and construction, as well as software creation and integration with all other show equipment. The facility is a UL-508 rated shop.
The design and engineering staff currently at Garner Holt Productions, Inc. has more than 30 years of experience in Computer Aided Design, 20 years of that spent working primarily in Solidworks. Given that the primary CAD tool here is Solidworks, much of the design analysis process is performed concurrently with the creation of the figure as a digital 3-D model in Solidworks. In particular, the appropriate form, fit, function and in large part, method of construction follows as a natural process when modeling in three dimensional systems like Solidworks. The adherence to client requirements for items such as material specification, fastener type, size, use, etc. are all developed in parallel during the preliminary design phase. As the model becomes more complex, we develop and examine motion requirements, clearances, initial load path determination as well as, life expectancy and maintainability.
At the end of the preliminary design phase, the design is circulated among and/or presented to a staff of engineers and craftspeople with accumulated tenure in the theme park industry of over 300 years. That review and critique generally continues through the production.
When required, static and motion studies and simulations are developed in Solidworks and Solidworks Motion. The data from static loading, resultant forces, failure mode forces (FMEA), dynamic and cyclic loading is gathered and used in several FEA studies in Solidworks Simulation (COSMOS) as required by contract specifications. In many cases, we follow stringent guidelines for overhead safety and hazard analysis (HA).
Results are compared to allowable forces determined by Safety Factors (SF) as established by client specifications.
How do I get work in this industry?
This industry, the manufacturing of animatronics and other themed entertainment and education-centered products, requires many different skills and disciplines. Management and project managers, those who deal with the overall scope of the projects, have a great deal of experience in our line of work, designing and creating these unique products. Individuals skilled and talented in specific disciplines and trades like machinists, plastics and mold technicians, illustrators, sculptors, and trained crafts persons may find opportunities in animatronic or entertainment systems firms when available. Be imaginative, positive, and focused, and our industry will recognize a talent when one appears.
How Do I Get Started in Animatronics?
Students and animatronics enthusiasts write us regularly asking how to prepare for or obtain employment in the field of animatronics. There is no school for animatronics technology either actually or in spirit. Some colleges now offer courses in robotics, and some of these dabble in "animatronic” figures as projects. Some robot clubs also work and experiment with animatronic-like creations.
Our recommendation is to focus on a field of work that applies to animatronics that you are most interested in, and develop your skills in that discipline. These might include:
* Mechanical Design / CAD
* Machinist Technology
* Plastics and Tooling Technology
* Electronics / Control Systems / Software Engineering
* Theater Arts / Lighting / Scenery
If you are artistic, you might want to work in design, illustration, sculpting, or similar areas. Our facility is divided into multiple design and manufacturing departments, with modern production equipment and a diverse range of skilled artisans and technicians. The following list of our departments indicates the disciplines involved in this type of manufacturing:
* Character Design / Creative Development
* CAD Development
* Technical Design and Engineering
* Sculpting
* Plastic Fabrication
* Animatronics Mechanical Fabrication
* Figure Finishing
* Costuming
* Special Effects
* Woodworking
* Hydraulic / Pneumatic System Electronics / Computer Science
* Audio / Lighting
* Show Integration and Programming
* Ride Systems Engineering
* CNC Manufacturing
* Rockwork
* 3-D Design Models
* Audio-Visual Production
* Show Sets and Scenery
* Character Paint
The Animatronic Industry appeals to many, because animatronic figures are extremely cool. Who wouldn’t love to play with a "real” fire breathing dragon, pirate, robot, or get to work behind the scenes in the world’s biggest theme park attractions, or even assist in building them? We get letters constantly saying, "I want to learn to build figures,” or asking "How do I get a job in this industry?”
Unfortunately, job opportunities are very limited. This is a very small industry. Outside of the Walt Disney Company, there are only a dozen or so organizations worldwide that produce animatronic figures. Within those, only a few build theme park-quality figures on a regular basis.
If you are persistent, enthusiastic, and talented in areas that relate to this line of work, you might find openings when the timing and industry conditions are right. Send a resume to the manufacturers to keep on file for future reference and job openings. Refer to our Careers page for openings at Garner Holt Productions. Many approach the animatronics industry by obtaining work maintaining figures in theme parks, or from internships at companies within the industry.
Best wishes and good luck in your search for opportunities! If you really want it, you’ll get there.
Some reading background:
There are very few books written on the subject of animatronics. The following are books we would recommend on industry-related subjects (many of the books listed are now out of print and may be a bit difficult to find):
The Robot Revolution by Tom Logsdon
Inside the Robot Kingdom Japan, Mechatronics and the Coming Robotopia by Frederik L. Schodt
Robots: Machines in Man’s Image by Isaac Asimov and Karen A. Krenkel
Robot: Your High Tech World by Gloria Skurzynski
Robo Sapiens: Evolution of a New Species by Peter Menzel and Faith D’Aluisio
Walt Disney Imagineering: A Behind the Dreams Look at Making the Magic Real by The Imagineers
The Illusion of Life by Dr. Gene Poor
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Animatronic Dragons.