animatronics

American  

[an-uh-muh-tron-iks] / ˌæn ə məˈtrɒn ɪks /

noun

1. (used with a singular verb) the technology connected with the use of electronics to animate puppets or other figures, as for motion pictures.

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animatronics British  

/ ˌænɪməˈtrɒnɪks /

noun

1. (functioning as singular) a branch of film and theatre technology that combines traditional puppetry techniques with electronics to create lifelike animated effects

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Other Word Forms

• animatronic adjective

Etymology

Origin of animatronics

1975–80; blend of animate and electronics

Example Sentences

In the years prior, Woliner had become transfixed by immersive theater and animatronics, prompting him to purchase Dale.

From Los Angeles Times

As for the animatronics, Jim Henson’s Creature Shop has taken obvious care and skill in re-creating the film’s lumbering robots and evoking their game origins.

From Los Angeles Times

Some of the haunts included higher production value effects — Chambers of the Mausoleum, for instance, featured inventive animatronics from its principal operator, Figment Foundry.

From Los Angeles Times

A mix of store-bought animatronics, handmade props and found objects — vintage lamps, creatures with elongated necks and an assortment of mystical, witchy knickknacks, fill every nook.

From Los Angeles Times

An outside expert in animatronics, who typically works in television and theater, gives them an annual tuneup.

From The Wall Street Journal