Disney shows off next-generation audio-animatronics for new Star Wars display
by Andy Knaggs | 11 Mar 2019
Walt Disney Imagineering has revealed its A1000 advanced robotics, developed for the operators upcoming Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge attraction at Walt Disney World in Florida.
The 36-second video shows the team working on the robotic figure of Hondo Ohnaka, a pirate from Star Wars: Rebels, at the facility in Glendale, California where the developments have taken place.
Along with the video footage, Walt Disney Imagineering provided the following commentary: “A1000 advanced robotics is the next evolution of the A100 Audio-Animatronic figures that were first introduced by Walt Disney Imagineering in the mid-1980s. This standardised system for building humanoid robotic figures incorporates new electric functionality, replacing former hydraulic functions, producing extremely realistic, lifelike movement. Future figures in humanoid form can all use this system to ensure the same degree of realism and advanced levels of movement.
“The advanced figures that were developed for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge - like this animated figure of Hondo Ohnaka, as seen in the Star Wars animated television series - are a hybrid of A1000 technology enhanced with custom-built elements.”
The progress shown in the video is but the final stages of years of work to get to this stage. Walt Disney Imagineering show mechanical engineer Kathryn Yancey, told Popular Mechanics that she and her team began visualising, conceptualising and constructing the Hondo Ohnaka figure more than three years ago. "He’s been on the computer for so long when he’s right there in front of you, it’s amazing. He moves, he talks and has a personality. Hondo is real to us."
Walt Disney Imagineering Walt Disney World Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge Hondo Ohnaka
A1000 advanced robotics is the next evolution of the A100 Audio-Animatronic figures that were first introduced by Walt Disney Imagineering in the mid-1980s
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Walt Disney Imagineering has revealed its A1000 advanced robotics, developed for the operators upcoming Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge attraction at Walt Disney World in Florida. The 36-second video shows the team working on the robotic figure of Hondo Ohnaka, a pirate from Star Wars: Rebels, at the facility in Glendale, California where the developments have taken place. Along with the video footage, Walt Disney Imagineering provided the following commentary: “A1000
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