Disney's bipedal robot is reportedly the latest development in entertainment robotics after it easily traverses rough terrain commonly found in theme parks with motion described as "expressive and dynamic."
According to Disney Research, while legged robots have demonstrated remarkable abilities to navigate rugged terrain, creating and operating them for entertainment is another story.
(Photo : Eirc Shi from Unsplash)
China's time to shine in tech could take some time, vowing to create a big name in the industry as it penetrates robotics, atomic-level manufacturing, and more.
To captivate human audiences, robots must be more than balanced and agile. They must also arouse feelings in their audience and be interesting and expressive. At Disney Research in Zurich, a team led by research scientist Moritz Bächer created the robot, which is primarily 3D printed, in less than a year.
This bipedal robot is notable for its technological advances. The expressive movements are given priority in the character-driven mechanical design. It makes it possible for the robot to communicate a broad spectrum of emotions and establish a deeper connection with viewers.
Read Also: Scientists Are Developing Fully Edible Robots - How and Why?
Character-Driven Movement
Furthermore, based on reinforcement learning, the robot's control system ensures its smooth and organic artistic motions in response to command inputs.
In the meantime, a sophisticated animation engine smoothly combines several animation sources to create these signals. This leads to credible and lively movements.
Moreover, a user-friendly operator interface enables human operators to direct the robot in real-time, opening up opportunities for interactive experiences and live performances.
Disney Brings 2D Characters to Life
Disney is making significant progress in entertainment robotics with this breakthrough. Notably, their latest animatronics demonstrate an impressive advancement in bringing their cherished 2D characters to life.
The robots in Tiana's Bayou Adventure are incredibly lifelike, representing the result of almost 60 years of Disney Imagineering creativity.
Despite differing views on its latest animated features, Disney continues to be the industry leader in animatronic technology. Disney previewed the new audio-animatronics shown in Tiana's Bayou Adventure, a revamp of the well-known Splash Mountain attraction.
These lifelike versions of characters from The Princess and the Frog (2009), which have been impressively displayed on social media and Disney's "We Call It Imagineering" YouTube series, include Princess Tiana, Mama Odie, Charlotte La Bouff, Louis the Alligator, and a variety of other swamp inhabitants.
Disney's most recent developments include animatronics that move so fluidly and smoothly that they almost seem lifelike. Walt Disney Animation Studios artists might have created the movements and attitudes of these new figurines if they were modelled after Tokyo Disneyland's Beauty and the Beast attraction.
Thanks to this method, the characters appear to have transcended their 2D beginnings. Although it doesn't quite match Shaman's hyper-realism in the Na'vi River Journey ride, a groundbreaking accomplishment in 2017, seeing such cutting-edge technology spreading throughout Disney parks is impressive.
Related Article: RoboLodge LLC Is the Unified Online Hub for Consumers and Manufacturers in the Robotics and AI Industry
