Animated figure system and method

An animated figure system, comprising:

• an animated figure disposed on a platform, wherein the animated figure comprises a central body portion and a first appendage, wherein the first appendage comprises:
• a proximal end portion pivotally coupled to the central body portion;
• a distal end portion configured to rest on the platform;
• and
• at least one joint between the proximal end portion and the distal end portion;
• a boom system comprising a boom coupled to the central body portion, wherein the boom system is configured to adjust a vertical position of the central body portion relative to the platform;
• at least one magnet disposed under the platform, wherein the at least one magnet is configured to magnetically engage to the distal end portion of the first appendage;
• and
• a magnet positioning mechanism comprising one or more actuators configured to move the at least one magnet in a plane parallel to the platform.

A method of controlling an animated figure system, the method comprising:

• receiving, by a controller, a prescribed appendage position of at least one appendage of an animated figure, wherein the prescribed appendage position comprises a foot placement of the at least one appendage, a joint angle of the at least one appendage, or both;
• deriving, by the controller, a target boom position based on the prescribed appendage position;
• deriving, by the controller, a target magnet position of at least one magnet based on the prescribed appendage position;
• transmitting, by the controller, a first control signal to a boom system of the animated figure system based on the target boom position;
• and
• transmitting, by the controller, a second control signal to a magnet control system of the animated figure system based on the target magnet position.