'Jimmy' offers Disney the evolution of human-controlled robots
POSTED 13 May 2016 . BY Tom Anstey
Dubbed “Jimmy”, human-controlled robot is capable of replicating precise actions
Disney’s research arm has developed a human-controlled robot capable of replicating precise actions, meaning the operator can bring its characters to life in ways never seen before.
Dubbed “Jimmy”, the Hybrid Hydrostatic Transmission and Human Safe Haptic Telepresence Robot offers bidirectional operation of every joint, meaning ultra-precise actions replicated through an air and water hydraulics system are possible when operated by a human.
For these operators, mounted stereo cameras stream live video visually immersing them in the robot’s physical workspace. To allow precise touch, hydrostatic transmission presents a counterforce the operator can feel between Jimmy and his external environment. The robot is so precise, the operator can put a thread through the eye of a needle.
“The current hydraulic robot offers incredibly smooth and fast motion, while maintaining backdrivability and bidirectional force reflection, allowing safe interaction with people, and the handling of delicate objects,” said a paper on the report.
“The new rolling-diaphragm actuators and N+1 configuration have enabled the creation of a high-performance humanoid robot, capable of direct mechanical teleoperation, providing visual, kinesthetic, and haptic immersion for the operator.”
The potential of Jimmy for Disney at its parks is huge. Though telepresence robots have existed for sometime – theme parks notably using them to allow characters to naturally interact with people – this technological leap by Disney Research means that the technology can be taken much farther than simple actions as with previous iterations.
Disney theme parks soar while media division stutters in Q2 earnings POSTED 11 May 2016. BY Tom Anstey While revenues at Disney’s parks and resorts continue to rise, things aren’t looking so
rosy for the company as a whole, after the entertainment giant logged its first earnings
miss in two years.
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.
'Jimmy' offers Disney the evolution of human-controlled robots
POSTED 13 May 2016 . BY Tom Anstey
Dubbed “Jimmy”, human-controlled robot is capable of replicating precise actions
Disney’s research arm has developed a human-controlled robot capable of replicating precise actions, meaning the operator can bring its characters to life in ways never seen before.
Dubbed “Jimmy”, the Hybrid Hydrostatic Transmission and Human Safe Haptic Telepresence Robot offers bidirectional operation of every joint, meaning ultra-precise actions replicated through an air and water hydraulics system are possible when operated by a human.
For these operators, mounted stereo cameras stream live video visually immersing them in the robot’s physical workspace. To allow precise touch, hydrostatic transmission presents a counterforce the operator can feel between Jimmy and his external environment. The robot is so precise, the operator can put a thread through the eye of a needle.
“The current hydraulic robot offers incredibly smooth and fast motion, while maintaining backdrivability and bidirectional force reflection, allowing safe interaction with people, and the handling of delicate objects,” said a paper on the report.
“The new rolling-diaphragm actuators and N+1 configuration have enabled the creation of a high-performance humanoid robot, capable of direct mechanical teleoperation, providing visual, kinesthetic, and haptic immersion for the operator.”
The potential of Jimmy for Disney at its parks is huge. Though telepresence robots have existed for sometime – theme parks notably using them to allow characters to naturally interact with people – this technological leap by Disney Research means that the technology can be taken much farther than simple actions as with previous iterations.
Disney theme parks soar while media division stutters in Q2 earnings POSTED 11 May 2016. BY Tom Anstey While revenues at Disney’s parks and resorts continue to rise, things aren’t looking so
rosy for the company as a whole, after the entertainment giant logged its first earnings
miss in two years.
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.
