While the head and hands will be vinyl - you have a choice of two different types of body - one is referred to as Cortex and the other as Vinyl. Both body types are pre-built.Internal Skeletal Frame - Evolve
The Evolve frame is the internal skeletal system used in all current Smart Dolls—engineered to provide strength, stability, and expressive articulation while enhancing the overall posing experience. Made from industrial-grade Polyoxymethylene (POM), a thermoplastic known for its strength and dimensional stability, the frame is designed for long-term durability and performance.
One of the most distinctive features of the Evolve frame is its gear-based joint system, which delivers subtle haptic (tactile) and auditory (sound) feedback when posing. As each limb is moved into place, you’ll feel and hear a “click”—a sensation that not only confirms alignment but also provides a satisfying sense of control and realism. This is especially helpful for creators who need precise, repeatable poses for photography, animation, or display.
The frame’s articulation system is designed to strike the right balance—not too tight, not too loose. This is made possible by integrated springboards and interlocking ridges within key joints, allowing limbs to hold their positions without slipping or wobbling.
Structurally, the Evolve frame enhances the silhouette of the Smart Doll by reducing visual gaps in areas such as the bustline, elbows, and knees. The spine has been reinforced for added core stability, supporting a wider range of expressive poses. Meanwhile, the support socket on the back—used for the included stand—is recessed into the frame for a more streamlined appearance and better balance during posing or transport.
From a usability perspective, the Evolve frame is also modular and designed with longevity in mind. Components can be accessed and repaired more easily than traditional glued systems, offering added peace of mind for collectors and hobbyists who value self-maintenance and customization.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector, a creative photographer, or someone looking to take their first steps into the world of Smart Doll, the Evolve frame delivers a responsive, tactile experience that reflects the care and precision we put into every part of our design.
In short, it’s not just a frame—it’s the foundation of how Smart Doll moves, feels, and lives in your hands.
Built to Evolve
True to its name, the Evolve frame was engineered with adaptability in mind. Its modular design allows us to make incremental improvements over time and support a wide variety of body types without compromising structural integrity or articulation. The same frame powers not only our Classic Smart Dolls, but also the Pear and Guy bodies—each with their own distinct proportions and aesthetics. This unified foundation ensures consistent quality, performance, and compatibility across the entire Smart Doll lineup.
What to Expect: Movement, Feel, and Limitations
Smart Dolls with the Evolve frame are designed for stable, expressive posing—but not for ultra-precise articulation. The joints use haptic “click” mechanisms that lock into fixed positions, offering tactile and sometimes audible feedback. For example, hips rotate in 10-degree steps, elbows move 12° vertically and 22.5° horizontally, and the spine’s ball joints have haptics only along the X-axis. If you’re looking for free-form posing with infinite adjustment angles, Smart Doll may not be the right fit.
Because each frame is hand-assembled and tuned, the feel of each joint can vary slightly. Some limbs may offer a crisp click, while others might feel softer or quieter. Environmental factors—like vinyl softness, apparel layers, or even room acoustics—can also affect the sensory experience. Due to the reversible design and larger inner cavities, left and right limbs (especially the thighs) may sound or feel slightly different. Hands and feet have partial haptics only on the rotational axis.
The redesigned limb sockets are more secure than ever—hands, feet, and shins are much less likely to fall off. However, this also makes them harder to remove. To detach them safely, grip the surrounding limb firmly and twist gently. For feet, holding them backward in your palm makes reattachment easier. Be careful not to pinch your fingers between vinyl parts during this process.
While the Evolve frame is engineered for durability, it’s not indestructible. Breakages can happen, and when they do, our one-year warranty covers eligible limb damage.
Lastly, due to the streamlined design behind the knees, Smart Doll legs can only bend to about 90 degrees. When kneeling, especially in thick pants or jeans, you may need to tilt the thighs slightly backward to help maintain balance.
Designed to Improve the Experience—For Everyone
The Evolve frame isn’t just an upgrade for Smart Doll owners—it’s a major step forward for our production team too. From mold management and logistics to environmental impact and assembly workflow, every aspect of Evolve has been developed with long-term efficiency and sustainability in mind.
To begin with, the number of unique components has been dramatically reduced—from 56 in the previous frame to just 25 in Evolve. This was achieved through reversible arm and leg designs, simplifying assembly while minimizing errors and streamlining updates. Although this took longer to develop, the result is a frame that’s more adaptable and easier to manage in production.
We’ve also significantly cut back on third-party components. The older frame required silicone tubing, sponge blocks, four types of screws, and even super glue for tuning. Evolve uses just one screw and a washer—helping us reduce not only materials but also complexity and points of failure.
Logistics and environmental impact have seen similar improvements. Previously, the sheer volume of runner waste and packaging required an entire 12-ton truck just to deliver 1,000 frames. We’ve now developed a hot runner system where each part is released directly from the mold, bagged, and shipped—saving space, reducing waste, and slashing transportation emissions. What used to take an entire day of labor and mountains of cardboard now fits neatly into just a few boxes.
Although these innovations come at a cost—our injection molding expenses have risen by approx 400% due to new molds and specialized processing.
Assembly has also been upgraded. Evolve incorporates built-in grease chambers to reduce leaks, new silicone-based grease for better performance with plastics, and washer-supported joints for improved load distribution. Tuning is now more precise, using torque screwdrivers and sound meters to adjust springboard ribs instead of chiseling and gluing like in the past.
While mostly hidden beneath the vinyl shell, the frame features a sandblasted matte finish that gives it a premium, clean look. Sandblasting molds is rarely done in the industry due to wear and maintenance costs, but we believe that quality should be consistent—even in the parts you don’t usually see.
Every improvement in Evolve reflects our commitment not only to craftsmanship but to the well-being of the team that brings Smart Doll to life. By investing in sustainable practices, thoughtful design, and long-term durability, Evolve sets a new standard—not just for how Smart Dolls look and move, but for how they’re made.
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