Mr. Potato Head Animatronic Testing at DCA (video)

If you're unfamiliar with the subject, the new Toy Story Mania ride at Hollywood Studios and California Adventure will both have a Mr. Potato Head Animatronic outside of the attraction that will be able to interact with guest. The videos shows them testing the new animatronic at California Adventure. The second video shows a good close up of the him pulling his ear out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cO119YsCZDQ

While really cool, his speech doesn't appear to be very seamless. I'm guessing this will be something they work on while testing.

The ear bit is impressive and these will never get old.

I think the eyes are impressive. Looks like they are using some sort of flexible screen technology. The movements and expressions are too fluid and complex to be mechanical.

*** Edited 4/10/2008 3:49:15 PM UTC by janfrederick***

"I go out at 3 o' clock for a quart of milk and come home to my son treating his body like an amusement park!" - Estelle Costanza

I think they eyes are the same technology as Buzz' face in those shooters.

I was most impressed with the lip movement on a more recent one with him singing. On video, that's freakin' awesome.

I'll be in Orlando over Memorial Day weekend, and look forward to checking the attraction out in person. It's expected opening day is 5/20.

http://cse.umich.edu/

Looks cool

Instagram, Ryan Rides on YouTube

Where can I get one for my living room?

Coaster Junkie from NH
I drive in & out of Boston, so I ride coasters to relax!

Be a HOT POTATO! ah man.. he looks X-tream! Even though I live no where by Mr. Potato head, he seems to be the guy to know...

Brian Noble said:
I think they eyes are the same technology as Buzz' face in those shooters.

I think you are right. But they look pretty sharp for being outdoors. Sharper than Buzz's face (which is indoors) actually.

Are they previewing this figure in Florida too?

"I go out at 3 o' clock for a quart of milk and come home to my son treating his body like an amusement park!" - Estelle Costanza

Very cool.

what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard.
Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it.
I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul.

As of Sunday, Florida hasn't started yet.

Florida's is still walled off; last I checked, that entire section of Mickey avenue was closed to retheme to Pixar Place.

http://cse.umich.edu/

Thats pretty cool.

The eyes are fiber optic projectors the project from the inside. It is seen on Buzz Lightyear and for a while the same technology was used on the Haunted Mansion for Madam Leotas Head.

http://www.grimghosts.com/secrets/MajorFX.html

About 3/4 the way down shows an example of the fiber optic head from the mansion.

Its sad when your best friend asks you the exact running time of a ride. Good thing I didnt know.