2013
9’ W (18′ arms out to the side) × 15’ H (17′ standing up) × 15’ D (20′ arms raised forward)
COMMISSIONED
Kilroy and Klaus were commissioned for the live event “Man in the Moon”, which was held July 6th at USANA Amphitheater in Salt Lake City, Utah. These two large animatronic figures became key features to the event as they stood on either side of the stage “framing” the projection mapping and performance of the event. Each figure is animated by twelve individually controlled pneumatic actuator cylinders. The size of each of these figures meant that each valve supplying air to the actuators had to be as precisely controlled as possible. Each hi tech valve (Servo Pneumatic Proportional Control System, provided by Enfield Technologies) adjusts the airflow to position the cylinder to a set position determined by the incoming voltage signal from the animation controller. These valves allow the figure to move at various speeds allowing for more lifelike movement. In the animatronic industry a “digital” valve means each cylinder simply extends at a single preset speed, fast or slow. The valve is either open, or closed. An “analog” valve system (Like Kilroy and Klaus) has a fluctuating voltage input for the air valve. Due to a voltage feedback from the cylinder itself the valve can match the cylinders extension or retraction to match the changing input signal from the controller . In other words, if Kilroy wanted to stand up and outstretch his arms. He could do this in a matter of 5 seconds or 5 hours.
Using animation controllers from one of the the nations leading entertainment control companies (Gilderfluke & Co.) , each figure can be programmed individually or run in sync with each other. Different animation sequences can be created and then saved on an SD card, allowing limitless sequences for Kilroy and Klaus.