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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Abu Dhabi-based investment firm Mubadala Capital has made a binding, fully financed
€1 billion
offer to acquire Pierre and Vacances SA, the European holiday resort operator behind the
continental European Center Parcs business.
Disney has reaffirmed its commitment to investing US$30 billion in its US parks and cruise
business by 2033, using new America250 celebrations to underline the role its attractions play
in supporting jobs, tourism and economic growth.
Expo 2030 Riyadh is being planned as a permanent visitor destination, with organisers
confirming the six-million-square-metre site will become a Global Village after the event closes.
The owner of one of Australia's best-known waterparks has acquired a major competitor,
creating a new attractions business spanning two of the country's largest visitor destinations.
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.
Abu Dhabi-based investment firm Mubadala Capital has made a binding, fully financed
€1 billion
offer to acquire Pierre and Vacances SA, the European holiday resort operator behind the
continental European Center Parcs business.
Disney has reaffirmed its commitment to investing US$30 billion in its US parks and cruise
business by 2033, using new America250 celebrations to underline the role its attractions play
in supporting jobs, tourism and economic growth.
Expo 2030 Riyadh is being planned as a permanent visitor destination, with organisers
confirming the six-million-square-metre site will become a Global Village after the event closes.
The owner of one of Australia's best-known waterparks has acquired a major competitor,
creating a new attractions business spanning two of the country's largest visitor destinations.
The Toverland theme park in the Netherlands has announced a €98m expansion programme
that will add a resort, new attractions and staff facilities as it pursues plans to become a multi-
day destination.
