Cinema & Animatronics

Creation

A robot in the form of a 40cm wooden cube that fully unfolds into a humanoid. 51 motorized axes: 33 Dynamixel servos (RS485 bus) and 18 standard RC servos (PWM).

Technical Challenge

Design and build a robot capable of smooth and reliable folding/unfolding. Synchronization of 51 motors with two different protocols.

My Contribution

Mechanical design, electronics, firmware, radio link, control console, and control software.

Technologies

Creation

Seal costume with an animatronic head mask featuring all facial movements.

Technical Challenge

Integrate 32 servomotors in a constrained space while maintaining a robust radio link for real-time control.

My Contribution

Embedded electronics controlling 32 servomotors via custom remote control with robust radio link.

Technologies

Creation

Animatronic mechanical camel mounted on an electric all-terrain buggy.

Technical Challenge

Design a system capable of operating in extreme desert conditions (heat, sand, dust).

My Contribution

Mechanical structure fabrication, electronic design and embedded firmware to control camel movements. On-set for 3 months in Morocco.

Technologies

Creation

5-meter long / 500kg animatronic shark with articulated fins, jaws, and body undulation.

Technical Challenge

Create a realistic shark capable of surface operation with an innovative propulsion system.

My Contribution

Mechanical design and fabrication, embedded electronics, shark operation during filming.

Technologies

Creation

2 robots: Einstein and Decker. About 100 motors to control with synchronized, fluid movement.

Technical Challenge

Synchronization of 100 motors with minimal latency and optimal movement precision. Quick reprogramming between takes.

My Contribution

Design and implementation of the complete motion control system: electronics, embedded firmware, control application.

Technologies