We're often asked about the longevity of animatronic characters. Well, we're glad you asked. Company founder Gene Poor recently visited the Dr Pepper Museum in Waco Texas. Back in 1993, LifeFormations produced an animatronic version of Charles Alderton for the museum. Adlerton is the pharmacist who invented the soft drink. Gene was curious if it was still in use.
Gene enthusiastically reported that not only is it still entertaining guests, the staff of the museum praised its reliability; requiring little to no maintenance over the course of nearly 20 years!
Until a few years ago, it was running on a Beta IBM 286 control system purchased from the Dana Corporation - holy Mike Tyson's Punch Out!
The museum was struck years ago by a bolt of lighting - no, the animatronic didn't come to life; although that would be cool wouldn't it? The museum staff was pleased the character fired right up after simply unplugging it and plugging it back in as a reboot.
One final tidbit, and this is just between you and I, Gene actually provided the voice over for the character. After listening to several voice samples, the museum staff insisted Gene give it a try. To this day, its the only character he has lent his voice to.
So, if you are considering animatronics - and we strongly feel you should - consider our animatronic Charles Alderton as a glowing example of reliable performance.