Animatronic Character & Control System

This is a project that was done for the Chicago Children's Museum Play it Safe exhibit. We designed and built Burt Burner, the animatronic oven mitt that teaches stove safety.

A technique was developed to store complex movements as part of the audio, so there is no computer, which reduces maintenance problems.

The project also included:

• Very realistic simulated gas burners
• Flashing EL wire marquee lights
• Rotating curtain mechanism to reveal Burt
• A pot of talking vegetables that pops up to congratulate if you win the game

Opening Day

The Children's Museum is at Navy Pier, so there is always a good crowd. Opening day drew a lot of visitors and Burt Burner was a big hit.