Provided herein is a character control system includes a strap configured to removably couple to a prop of a performer. A controls assembly is disposed within a portion of the strap. The controls assembly includes a plurality of control features. A controller is configured to couple to the controls assembly and an actuator of a puppet. The controller is configured to control the actuator to move a part of the puppet in response to actuation of a control feature of the plurality of control features by the performer.

Provided herein is a character control system includes a strap configured to removably couple to a prop of a performer. A controls assembly is disposed within a portion of the strap. The controls assembly includes a plurality of control features. A controller is configured to couple to the controls assembly and an actuator of a puppet. The controller is configured to control the actuator to move a part of the puppet in response to actuation of a control feature of the plurality of control features by the performer.

An interactive system includes one or more processors that are configured to receive a first signal indicative of an activity of a user within an environment and to receive a second signal indicative of the user approaching an animated character head. The one or more processors are also configured to provide information related to the activity of the user to a base station control system associated with the animated character head in response to receipt of the second signal to facilitate a personalized interaction between the animated character head and the user.

An apparatus for the use of controlling a puppet to obtain a desired position or display, with a mounting plate defining at least one aperture; at least one rod having a first and second end; a ball brace configured to engage a ball and the rod, engaging the rod between the first and second end; wherein the ball brace may be locked and unlocked; wherein the rod further comprises a coating on the second end to engage with the inside of a puppet; and wherein the rod, when engaged with the inside of the puppet, moves the inside of the puppet when moved.

A method of controlling a first figure configured to animate and a second figure configured to exhibit free motion in an amusement park ride includes determining when a field of view of a ride vehicle (RV) moving along a RV path of the ride is either directed away from a scene area of the ride or obstructed from the scene area, and responsive to such determination, causing a first mechanism associated with the first figure to move the first figure into the scene area, and causing a second mechanism associated with the second figure to move the second figure out of the scene area.

A virtual puppeteering system includes a portable device including a camera, a display, a hardware processor, and a system memory storing an object animation software code. The hardware processor is configured to execute the object animation software code to, using the camera, generate an image in response to receiving an activation input, using the display, display the image, and receive a selection input selecting an object shown in the image. The hardware processor is further configured to execute the object animation software code to determine a distance separating the selected object from the portable device, receive an animation input, identify, based on the selected object and the received animation input, a movement for animating the selected object, generate an animation of the selected object using the determined distance and the identified movement, and render the animation of the selected object.

An ambulatory animated figure system includes an animated figure having a body with a first limb and a second limb extending therefrom. The system also includes a carrier configured to be disposed on a support, and the animated figure extends away from a side of the carrier in a direction. The carrier is coupled to a first limb through a first actuator system, which is configured to move the first limb away from the side of the carrier in the direction and configured to slide an end of the first limb transversely relative to the direction. The carrier is translated relative to the support through a second actuator system. The system also includes a controller communicatively coupled to the first actuator system and the second actuator system and configured to coordinate actuation of the first actuator system and the second actuator system to provide an ambulatory effect.

An ambulatory animated figure system includes an animated figure having a body with a first limb and a second limb extending therefrom. The system also includes a carrier configured to be disposed on a support, and the animated figure extends away from a side of the carrier in a direction. The carrier is coupled to a first limb through a first actuator system, which is configured to move the first limb away from the side of the carrier in the direction and configured to slide an end of the first limb transversely relative to the direction. The carrier is translated relative to the support through a second actuator system. The system also includes a controller communicatively coupled to the first actuator system and the second actuator system and configured to coordinate actuation of the first actuator system and the second actuator system to provide an ambulatory effect.

An interactive system includes one or more processors that are configured to receive a first signal indicative of an activity of a user within an environment and to receive a second signal indicative of the user approaching an animated character head. The one or more processors are also configured to provide information related to the activity of the user to a base station control system associated with the animated character head in response to receipt of the second signal to facilitate a personalized interaction between the animated character head and the user.

Systems and apparatus are disclosed herein of an entertainment both for providing robotic entertainment. For example, a robotic entertainment system is provided that includes a booth having a housing enclosing a viewing station opposite an entertainment station; a robotic entertainer disposed within the entertainment station, the robotic entertainer having a humanoid appearance and comprising a plurality of actuators; and a computing system coupled to the plurality of actuators and configured to control the actuators so to move the robotic entertainer in accordance with a performance.