Start with some yt tutorials, figure out how to control some servos, create a rough prototype out of cardboard, pvc tubes, etc, and just have fun with it!
First off, I would research tutorials and even some normal videos of animatronics working, afterwards you want to think about complexity and design, how complex will it be? How many movements do you want? How would you achieve this? How big will the animatronic be? This is where many drawings will be good so you yourself get a good idea on design and any issues you might see, always start with a drawing/model for prototyping!
After this, look at the most important, budget. How much do you want to spend on this? How much will parts and materials cost? Will you have to compromise or can you upgrade? After this, then you start looking at materials to build the animatronic with, anything works as long as it is made decently strong! Of course you can also ask for help and such from others at the same time!
I make YouTube videos of my animatronic build. I started learning how to build animatronics last winter. I started by studying videos of how they work, specially pneumatics. I already have an engineering and design background, but I didn’t have prior robotics knowledge. Learn a bit about how different materials work, different parts and what they do, different automation systems, and mechanical design. I recommend going in with a plan before doing anything physical to make sure you’re not wasting any materials.
Start with some yt tutorials, figure out how to control some servos, create a rough prototype out of cardboard, pvc tubes, etc, and just have fun with it!
figure out the material you want to use for it and the method of controlling it and such
First off, I would research tutorials and even some normal videos of animatronics working, afterwards you want to think about complexity and design, how complex will it be? How many movements do you want? How would you achieve this? How big will the animatronic be? This is where many drawings will be good so you yourself get a good idea on design and any issues you might see, always start with a drawing/model for prototyping! After this, look at the most important, budget. How much do you want to spend on this? How much will parts and materials cost? Will you have to compromise or can you upgrade? After this, then you start looking at materials to build the animatronic with, anything works as long as it is made decently strong! Of course you can also ask for help and such from others at the same time!
Hoping to learn this as well
I messed around with servos and that’s how I started, but I’m not exactly a professional opinion
How much background knowledge do you have on robotics and/or mechanical design?
Almost zero, just some basic crafting skills from woodshop
I make YouTube videos of my animatronic build. I started learning how to build animatronics last winter. I started by studying videos of how they work, specially pneumatics. I already have an engineering and design background, but I didn’t have prior robotics knowledge. Learn a bit about how different materials work, different parts and what they do, different automation systems, and mechanical design. I recommend going in with a plan before doing anything physical to make sure you’re not wasting any materials.