Disney has been testing new droid character animatronics for ‘STAR WARS: GALAXY’S EDGE’ with roaming droids in action.
Disney Imagineering, the entertainment giant’s research and development department, has a knack for creating technologically advanced robots like this hyperrealistic Na’vi shaman at Disney World. But its latest development might be its most adorable creation to date.
At the International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems in Detroit last week, Disney unveiled a new, nameless bipedal robot that can walk (okay, more like waddle) unassisted and remain balanced, even when shoved, navigating difficult terrain, or having a literal rug pulled out from beneath it.
Snoddy leads the research and development studio for Walt Disney Imagineering. He detailed two projects aiming to use artificial intelligence to make park robots more lifelike, in an interview with CNET Saturday at the SXSW Conference and Festivals here in Austin, Texas.
The projects are part of Disney’s legacy of innovation that stretches back to the company’s beginning. At Disneyland, that exploration led to firsts like audio-animatronics and the operation of the country’s first daily monorail system. Today, it manifests in things like a pint-sized animatronic Pascal, the chameleon sidekick in “Tangled,” and a new “Star Wars” droid, Jake.
The robot is mostly 3D printed and was developed by a team from Disney Research in Zurich in less than a year, led by research scientist Moritz Bächer. “Most roboticists are focused on getting their bipedal robots to reliably walk,” said Disney research scientist Morgan Pope in a statement to IEEE Spectrum. “At Disney, that might not be enough—our robots may have to strut, prance, sneak, trot, or meander to convey the emotion that we need them to.”
Disney Imagineers are testing roaming droids around the land and if you’re lucky enough you might have an opportunity to see them for yourself! These little guys are just casually strolling Batuu and taking in the local scenery. And thanks to DisneyDan, you can catch a glimpse of them yourself!