Object tracking animated figure systems and methods

A method, comprising:

• receiving shiny object detection data from one or more sensors configured to detect metal objects or shiny objects;
• tracking a guest associated with the shiny object detection data;
• determining an animation sequence for an animated figure based on the shiny object detection data;
• sending a control signal to cause the animated figure to activate one or more actuators of the animated figure to execute an animation of the animation sequence for a predetermined time period;
• and
• in response to completion of the predetermined time period, tracking next-strongest shiny object detection data, a next-closest guest, or both.

An animation system, comprising:

• an animated figure comprising one or more actuators configured to actuate at least a portion of the animated figure;
• at least one sensor;
• and
• an animation controller comprising a processor and a memory, wherein the memory stores instructions executable by the processor, the instructions configured to cause the animation controller to:
• receive shiny object detection data of a shiny object from the at least one sensor;
• determine an animation sequence based on the shiny object detection data;
• transmit a control signal indicative of the animation sequence to cause the animated figure to execute the animation sequence for a predetermined time period by actuating the one or more actuators;
• and
• in response to completion of the predetermined time period, identifying a different shiny object based on a next-strongest shiny object detection data, a next-closest guest, or both.