Major
Mechanical Engineering (B.S.)
Research Presentation Abstract
Animatronics is a specialized sub-category of mechatronics, a fusion of mechanical and electrical engineering. The field has grown from small, individual projects into a major industry. As animatronics progress, mechanical engineers are pushed to design internal structures which occupy ever-decreasing spaces and to ensure designs can undergo maintenance and modifications smoothly. This research investigates methods of reducing space required for mechanisms and several other beneficial methods of development as well as varying satisfactions for audiences when exposed to actor-controlled systems rather than pre-scripted functions. The mechanical systems are designed using CAD software available at Georgia Southern. On-campus, resources are used to prototype and develop final materials. The research involves selection of electronics and drive systems that are interfaced with mechanical components for automated operations. Upon research completion, it will be determined if the additional time required to implement actor control is advantageous in regards to anticipated, higher results of satisfaction.
Keywords
animatronic, eagle, bald, engineering, mechanical, mechatronics, electrical, design, optimization
Publication Type and Release Option
Presentation (Open Access)
Principal Faculty Mentor
Dr. Biswanath Samanta
Principal Faculty Mentor Email
bsamanta@georgiasouthern.edu
Principal Faculty Mentor’s Department
Mechanical Engineering (CEIT)
Additional Faculty Mentor 1
Dr. Brian Vlcek
Recommended Citation
Burns, Eric, "Mechanical Design and Optimization of an Interactive Animatronic Bald Eagle" (2016). Phi Kappa Phi Research Symposium (2012-2016). 2.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/pkp/2016/undergraduate/2
Included in
Applied Mechanics Commons, Electrical and Electronics Commons, Hardware Systems Commons, Manufacturing Commons, Robotics Commons
Mechanical Design and Optimization of an Interactive Animatronic Bald Eagle
Animatronics is a specialized sub-category of mechatronics, a fusion of mechanical and electrical engineering. The field has grown from small, individual projects into a major industry. As animatronics progress, mechanical engineers are pushed to design internal structures which occupy ever-decreasing spaces and to ensure designs can undergo maintenance and modifications smoothly. This research investigates methods of reducing space required for mechanisms and several other beneficial methods of development as well as varying satisfactions for audiences when exposed to actor-controlled systems rather than pre-scripted functions. The mechanical systems are designed using CAD software available at Georgia Southern. On-campus, resources are used to prototype and develop final materials. The research involves selection of electronics and drive systems that are interfaced with mechanical components for automated operations. Upon research completion, it will be determined if the additional time required to implement actor control is advantageous in regards to anticipated, higher results of satisfaction.