Animatronic Character and Control System

In June of 2002, the Chicago Children's Museum opened the Play it Safe exhibit. Craig Bedward, one of the Seneca5 principles, contracted to make the animatronics and lighting effects for one of the main attractions in the exhibit.

Craig designed and built Burt Burner, the animatronic oven mitt. He also developed a method of storing 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 neon wire marquee lights
• Rotating curtain to hide show Burt
• A pot of vegetables that pops up and talks if you win the game