One highlight is the world of sci-fi, where visitors walk onto a film set based on a science-fiction adventure film called Origins. It’s here that they’ll discover a golden, five-metre-tall humanoid robot. Designed, manufactured and animated by our team, this impressive figure demonstrates the impact of scale effects in film.

To create this robot, we began by capturing reference images and scans of a posed model. This initial model was then refined through multiple iterations to inspire the robot’s final design. A unique animatronic mechanism enables the robot’s face to split and open down the middle, culminating in a dramatic moment for this set piece: the reveal of a second alien face beneath. All of this is complemented by the robot’s outstretched hand that features six degrees of freedom, wrist control and individually jointed fingers, and is fully operated by linear actuators. LED lighting is woven throughout the figure’s body, hands and face to enhance its impact.

Constructed from large-scale 3D-printed components, reinforced with fibreglass and aluminium struts, and bolted to a steel tube armature, this towering robot — at four-and-a-half times human height — seamlessly combines animatronics and interactive features. The result: a mesmerising, multi-dimensional character that visitors remember long after their tour.

At Wētā Workshop Unleashed, visitors are welcomed by our Head of Security, Jeff — a chatty, wise-cracking Orc who offers a first taste of the imaginative world awaiting ahead.

Designed, built and animated by our team, Jeff is a sophisticated, life-sized animatronic character built for high-performance and durability. Gorilla anatomy inspired his framework, creating a solid foundation for his lifelike gestures, fluid movement and friendly interactions with guests. His body structure is enhanced with modified brushless servo motors and ball-screw linkages, providing both speed and precision. Inside Jeff’s head, an intricate array of 30 actuators brings his silicone face to life, including his tongue. Jeff’s range of expressions extend to subtle eyebrow movements and precise lip-syncing, ensuring he stays in character as the charismatic, easy-going security guard he was designed to be. His office chair is also motorised to ensure a seamless extension of his performance. 

A custom software system powers Jeff. Acting as a digital switchboard, this system synchronizes Jeff’s many servos and actuators, coordinating his animations and interactions. It also enables control from multiple animation sources, including animation software and interactive systems — all ensuring Jeff delights each guest he greets.