Disney developing robots that can walk exactly like its animated characters
POSTED 28 May 2015 . BY Tom Anstey
The technology could potentially create the most realistic Disney animatronics ever created Credit: Disney Research Pittsburgh
Disney’s research arm is developing robots and animatronic characters, capable of walking and moving exactly as they would in animated movies and TV shows.
Advances in robotics and animatronics means Disney’s popular animated characters could soon be joining the famous theme park parade not as a human in a costume or as a robot stuck to a float, but rather a seemingly living, breathing animated character powered by robotics down to the last minute detail.
“Our goal is to bring animation characters to life in the real world,” said Disney Research Pittsburgh’s Seungmoon Song. “We present a bipedal robot that looks like and walks like an animation character. Starting from animation data of a character walking, we developed a bipedal robot which corresponds to the lower part of the character following its kinematic structure.”
To create the movement style, parts are 3D-printed and joints are actuated by servo motors, angled and positioned to help recreate the right movement. Using trajectory optimisation technology, the research team generated an open-loop walking trajectory designed to mimic the character’s walking motion. The team then perfected the walking motion on the developed hardware system, so that the robot could walk without falling over.
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A new immersive attraction designed to transport visitors into the final hours of ancient Pompeii
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Disney developing robots that can walk exactly like its animated characters
POSTED 28 May 2015 . BY Tom Anstey
The technology could potentially create the most realistic Disney animatronics ever created Credit: Disney Research Pittsburgh
Disney’s research arm is developing robots and animatronic characters, capable of walking and moving exactly as they would in animated movies and TV shows.
Advances in robotics and animatronics means Disney’s popular animated characters could soon be joining the famous theme park parade not as a human in a costume or as a robot stuck to a float, but rather a seemingly living, breathing animated character powered by robotics down to the last minute detail.
“Our goal is to bring animation characters to life in the real world,” said Disney Research Pittsburgh’s Seungmoon Song. “We present a bipedal robot that looks like and walks like an animation character. Starting from animation data of a character walking, we developed a bipedal robot which corresponds to the lower part of the character following its kinematic structure.”
To create the movement style, parts are 3D-printed and joints are actuated by servo motors, angled and positioned to help recreate the right movement. Using trajectory optimisation technology, the research team generated an open-loop walking trajectory designed to mimic the character’s walking motion. The team then perfected the walking motion on the developed hardware system, so that the robot could walk without falling over.
Disney eyes future wearables to grow MyMagic+ POSTED 27 May 2015. BY Alice Davis Disney is planning the next steps in its MyMagic+ campaign as it eyes the fast-growing
wearables market for inspiration.
Disney Institute courses now available in Hawaii POSTED 13 May 2015. BY Tom Anstey The Disney Institute is bringing its professional development training programme to
Hawaii at its Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa property.
Star Wars pop-up restaurant comes to Disney World Florida POSTED 08 May 2015. BY Tom Anstey A Star Wars-themed pop-up restaurant is about to make its debut at Disney World in
Orlando, with the restaurant opening at the resort’s Hollywood Studios through May and
June.
Hotel de France, located on the British Isle of Jersey, has created a wellness retreat package
that includes a hot yoga session that will take place in Jersey Zoo’s butterfly sanctuary.
A new immersive attraction designed to transport visitors into the final hours of ancient Pompeii
is preparing to open near the world-famous archaeological site in southern Italy.
Experience design company, BRC Imagination Arts, has completed a transition that sees founder
Bob Rogers pass ownership of the business to four long-serving senior executives, while
remaining actively involved with the company.
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