It’s only fitting that some of the most advanced animatronics created reside in Dark Universe, a spooky world where mad scientists push the limits of technology.
This is one of five immersive lands inside Universal’s Epic Universe, a new theme park in Orlando, Florida — and the first major theme park to open in the US in 20 years.
At the grand opening this month, I spoke with some of the creative minds who brought the tech to life, which you can watch in the video embedded above.
For several years, I’ve been reporting on how technology is enhancing theme park experiences, but I’ve never quite seen something at the scale that Universal has pulled off.
As someone who follows emerging tech, it’s delightful to see it used to bring fantastical worlds to life.
I am unable to look away from Dr. Victoria Frankenstein. Although I’ve seen a lot of animatronics in theme parks, there’s something unearthly about the way this robot moves as it passes in front of me. Her digitally animated face is projected onto a physically animating head, giving the impression that a video game character has come to life. The unveiling of another astounding animatronic, her 800-pound, 9-foot-tall green monster approaching the audience, diverts my attention as I attempt to understand what drives her.
Dark Universe is a spooky world where crazy scientists push the boundaries of technology, so it makes sense that some of the most sophisticated animatronics ever made live there. This is one of five immersive zones within Universal’s Epic Universe, the first major theme park to open in the United States in 20 years. The park is located in Orlando, Florida. You can view the video embedded above to hear my conversation with some of the innovative minds that made the technology a reality at the grand opening this month.
Although I’ve been covering the topic of how technology is improving theme park experiences for a number of years, I’ve never witnessed anything quite like what Universal has accomplished. It was astounding to see how many robots were strewn throughout these themed worlds, in addition to the team patenting new technology for characters like Dr. Frankenstein.
30 animated figures are idling around at Isle of Berk, a land based on the Viking world from the How to Train Your Dragon films. Some of the figures are sleeping dragons, while others are blasting icy air and swinging close to shops. All of them are exposed to Florida’s intense summer heat.
Berk’s dragons can assume various robotic forms. Some of the adorable baby dragons are untethered, performing tricks and circling visitors. The way these baby dragons move is similar to that of other quadruped dog-style robots.
A life-size, touchable, and emotive Toothless that you can even feel breathing is the main attraction. At a stage show, another animatronic Toothless flies over your head. However, Berk is teeming with dragons, and plans are underway to incorporate drones—er, flying dragons—to fly over the landscape all day long. In the park, some visitors have already seen one being tested.
More moving parts, however, increase the likelihood of problems. With practically every element of entertainment here involving robots, Universal undoubtedly faces greater risk in maintaining a seamless experience for guests with high standards.
When I visited, the creative teams at Universal told me that they wanted to take a chance and try something different. I’m hoping they can maintain the desired effects. As someone who keeps up with emerging technology, I find it fascinating when it’s applied to create fantastical worlds. Technology can truly feel like magic at times.
