A1000 Advanced Robotics | Walt Disney Imagineering

A1000 advanced robotics are the next evolution of the A100 Audio-Animatronic figures that were first introduced by Walt Disney Imagineering in the mid-1980s. This standardized system for building humanoid robotic figures incorporates new electric functionality, replacing former hydraulic functions, producing extremely realistic, lifelike movement. Future figures in humanoid form can all use this system to ensure the same degree of realism and advanced levels of movement.

The advanced figures that were developed for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge - like this animated figure of Hondo Ohnaka, as seen in the Star Wars animated television series - are a hybrid of A1000 technology enhanced with custom-built elements.

[LukeofAllTrades]

This looks amazing. That smooth, constant movement really transforms it from an "animatronic" to "actormatronic" feel.

[thogthemighty]

I'm so glad the leader of the robot apocalypse is Hondo.

[aviduser]

The A1000 series is the most reliable audio-animatronic ever made. No A1000 has ever made a mistake or distorted information. We are all, by any practical definition of the words, fool proof and incapable of error.
- Hal A1000

Seriously, what an accomplishment! I thought the A100s were exciting.

[camoclone]

This is awesome. It's great to see the Imaginneers pulling from the Clone Wars, because it tells you that this is really aimed toward the hardcore Star Wars fans like myself rather than just the general public. And i can honestly say that I truly appreciate that notion. As someone who loves the Clone Wars and rebels, as well as Hondo (he's one of my favorite characters) this is so cool to see. They could've created a completely new character for the parks so as to not confuse people, but instead they pulled from the existing lore because they knew it would resonate with the fans. Well done to the imagineers

[loth-wolf]

We are pirates...we don't even know what that means!

[GPXBrent]

Wow. This is impressive, most impressive.

[samwoodson]

Very impressive. Glad to see such cutting edge technology used to bring one of my favorite Star Wars characters to life.

[KingRCT]

This is amazing - quite an exciting time for animatronics!

I was a little worried to see him simply standing on his two feet (put your figures in context, as Mark Davis mastered, to avoid them looking like they're weirdly constricted to their condition of robots) but then I noticed he can bend his knee! It seems trivial but helps a lot already.
I hope his eye movements will on point too. It's hard to tell from this very short glimpse, but it looks like he keeps his eyes still related to the head, while he should keep them still related to a virtual point outside the figure (where he looks at in reality). That does A LOT in the lifelikeness of a figure.

Bottom line is: great job everyone, and sincerly thanks. You're making the magic.

[starwarssyl]

HONDO!!! OH MY FORCE THIS IS AMAZING! I can't wait to see him in the park!

[conradojavier]

Hondo basically an Immortal, He even outlived Luke Skywalker.

[trentwerner]

Wow!


I remember as a kid seeing a “real” dinosaur in Disney World and being told years later that it was a robot. But this is even more convincing than ever! What a time!

[emilys.]

For someone just waking up, this absolutely woke me up. Like... holy shit. This is incredibly smooth and lifelike? Wonderful work to the team who engineered him!!

[AliciaKe_reviews]

This is very realistic! Would love to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge one day!

[vampirewizard]

You're positive this isn't an actor? I'm convinced! Lol

[mimic]

A surprise, to be sure, but a welcome one.

[jonathanandersen]

I love Hondo and I’m so glad he’s gonna be in galaxys edge

[Coaster-Toaster]

Holy moly! Everytime I‘m riding a new Disney ride I think „There is no way the animatronics could move better“...and then a new videos pops out. 😅

[KDP]

I need more behind the scenes animatronics like this!!!

[RobTi]

Lmao. I started the video, and the first 30 seconds looked promising so i was like "alright!" and released the lever on my office chair to lean back and hope for a good documentary.. and then it stopped. Haha. Anyway, have a good day.

[gluenerf]

You are amazing and have inspired me with your work to hopefully become one of you someday.