A Cross Disciplinary Study Via Animatronics

Abstract

This paper presents the authors' attempts and consequent challenges in developing a true crossdisciplinary study for undergraduate engineering, technology and art students. The development process was initiated to enhance the Mechatronics and Robotics Program at Ohio Northern University (ONU) Technological Studies Department resulting in development of an honors course. HONR 218 -Animatronics was developed and offered in Winter Quarter of 2003/04 academic year. Animatronics is the art of bringing inanimate objects to life through computer technology, cable control, remote control or hand puppetry 1 . Unlike biomimetics, animatronics is not purely based on various technologies and art is an important component because of the imitation factor leading to creativity and problem solving skills. In a well-blended crossdisciplinary setting, animatronics encompasses a wide span of areas limited by diverse subjects such as biomechanics, controls, costuming or manufacturing processes.