Disney is constantly developing new technology to use in the theme parks.
Sometimes it’s things like My Disney Experience and Disney Genie+ that you can access on your phone, but other times it’s impressive new ride systems or animatronics that look so realistic it’s hard to believe they’re fake (we’re looking at you — Na’vi River Journey Shaman of Song!). But even with all the interesting things we’ve seen so far, Disney isn’t stopping yet!
Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro spoke recently at the SXSW Conference in Austin, TX. During the presentation, D’Amaro took the time to showcase some of Disney’s coolest new tech.
One of the most interesting things that was shared during the presentation was some “brand-new robotic technology” that looks an awful lot like Judy Hopps from Zootopia. This tiny robot can climb out of a box, fall down, get back up, and move around on roller skates. Check out the video!
SO COOL!! #SXSW2023 #SXSW #Disney pic.twitter.com/0le8sxr70w
— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) March 10, 2023
After it debuted on stage, Disney shared an up-close photo of the robot in action. It’s a “dynamic” robot that could be an interesting part of future Disney parks projects — especially since Disney has big plans for Zootopia as a franchise.
This robot has some pretty cool tricks up its sleeves, and we’ll be interested to see how it’s used in the future. While showcasing the robot onstage, one of the Disney Imagineers said, “This is the chance to try some of the crazy stuff that the characters in our films do.” They can re-create some of those moments through robotic technology — how cool is that?!
Her big trick! pic.twitter.com/SUBCWDJF64
— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) March 10, 2023
We actually saw a patent for this robot technology filed a few years back, so it’s exciting to see it in person for the first time.
We’ll be on the lookout for any new technology updates from Disney, so stay tuned to DFB. We’ll keep you in the loop on all the big projects coming up soon!
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