The Renaissance of Animatronics in Modern Cinema (UoH ADA MRes Jan 2015

Friday, 4 November 2016

Distinction: Master of Arts by Research

I am very pleased to announce that I have been awarded a distinction at M.Res from both of my examination teams with no corrections. My thesis is also to be published in the universities research repository so I will add that link to the bottom of this post when it has finished processing through the system. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved in the examination of my thesis at its various stages: Dr. Roberts, Dr. Issapour, Rob Lycett, Professor Wells and Andrew Taylor. I am now looking to continue my studies next year towards a PhD and currently seeking sponsorship. Carl.

Sunday, 14 August 2016

Update: Complications and Explorations

Explorations: I am still working regularly using different methods of prototyping and exploring new theory regarding animatronic models and bio-robotics. I have spent many hours drafting elements of a guide book I have been writing called 'Simulating Organics - The Philosophy of Animatronics' (but more about that later).

I have started taking lessons in 3D CAD software (Inventor Pro), this has been a very interesting approach to design and development, I hope to use this in future projects. My interest in materials has led me to rethink my mouth / tongue framework, I have simplified this and the outcome is a very realistic looking and functioning 'if not somewhat uncanny' mechanism.

Further to this I have made a working prototype of a new automatised dilating eye system that I have been working on as part of my Ph.D proposal, and also developed a motion tracking system for active facial projection mapping.

I have also entered / approached a number of different animation and robotics competitions. I have already had success in becoming a finalist in the IRobot Technologies robotics contest, held in conjunction with national robotics week 2016 U.S, with my previous animatronic work Egor V.2 (final 19 out of 222 international entries) winning a T-Shirt and years subscription to the site. The results of the contest can be reviewed here from the University of Texas Technical College of Engineering website.

http://engineering.utsa.edu/~pab/media/RomoBot_RoboticsContest2016.pdf

This will be my final entry until examinations have ended. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the special effects industry professionals that have contributed to my work and to the friendships forged through a mutual passion and appreciation for robotic characters. I would also like to recognise all the kind comments that have been made by individuals visiting my blog with a combined viewing figure of nearly 4,000 hits from all over the world it is great to see there are people out there who are still behind the progression and development of animatronic characters. Finally I would like to thank the individuals and websites who followed and published this project throughout its stages: It was a surprise to read great reviews and articles as I had no idea I had been followed and published by these online resources.

Sincerely,

C.