We are absolutely fascinated by the incredible technological advances that Disney continues to make.

Chewie with BDX Droids

From updating animation styles to creating animatronic figures and ride technology for the parks, they’re constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible to bring entertainment to life. And now? They’re building dolphin robots and car-sized manta rays.

Recently, Bloomberg got a new look at some ongoing robotic projects that The Walt Disney Company is working on to improve its theme parks. First up on the list? A new manta ray-like figure that’s the size of a car. This robot is designed to be piloted through the water in a mimicry of Gramma Tala from Moana.

©Bloomberg

The manta ray could be used in the future in one of Disney’s many in-park water features, likely in some form of live entertainment. Alongside it, Disney’s working on robotic models of dolphins that pop up from underwater and perform tricks — they use jet pump propulsion and biomimetic articulation to balance themselves, operating almost like a jet ski. They’re designed to interact and play off of each other for storytelling purposes, which would be ideal for a live show.

©Bloomberg

Bloomberg says, “The six-foot manta ray, which can potentially be repurposed for other franchises like Star Wars, is one of several robotics projects in development at Walt Disney Imagineering’s R&D facilities in Glendale, California — part of the company’s 10-year plan to invest $60 billion in its parks and resorts.” It uses hydrofoil technology to propel itself through the water. The effect is a lifelike group of aquatic characters who could perform alongside humans.

Walt Disney Imagineering is still developing dolphin robotics for Disney Parks!

• They’re designed to interact and play with each other

• They use jet pumps, biomimetic articulation, and GPS technology

• They operate almost autonomously

(Source: https://t.co/8f57h31faU) pic.twitter.com/3saOV2C5VZ

— Drew Smith (@DrewDisneyDude) June 26, 2026

But these Moana-inspired creatures aren’t the only projects underway at Disney’s research and development facility. They’re also working on a serious of floating droids that would work alongside snack carts to add immersion to Star Wars-themed spaces like Galaxy’s Edge.

BDX droids roaming in Galaxy’s Edge

We also recently saw updated projection mapping technology on a skeleton figure at Pirates of the Caribbean in Disneyland. The ultimate goal of these projects is to maximize Disney’s technological innovation in preparation for the Abu Dhabi park — set to be the most technologically advanced Disney park to date.

New projection mapping in Pirates of the Caribbean

“We’re working backwards through our other experiences to test and learn so that we can deliver on that promise and that all of our parks will benefit from the innovations between now and then,” said Kyle Laughlin, senior vice president for technology and  research & development at Walt Disney Imagineering. “I think in the time frame in which we’ve talked about Abu Dhabi, you will see more free roaming robots, integrated XR experiences and all kinds of new ways to engage people as both devices and expectations change.”

©Disney

We’ve seen Disney pour resources heavily into robotics in recent years. From the stuntronics used in Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure to the large exoskeleton suits that bring characters like Hulk and Baymax to life, Disney Imagineers have been flexing their brains to come up with new ways to make in-park experiences more realistic.

©Bloomberg

Of course, we can’t forget the free-roaming animatronics like Olaf in World of Frozen at Disneyland Paris and the bipedal BDX droids in Galaxy’s Edge. There’s no telling what will be possible by the time we walk the streets of Disneyland Abu Dhabi.

©Disney

We can’t wait for the day that we get to see some of these inventions in action. We’ll keep you updated with more Disney news.

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What do you think of the dolphin robot? Tell us in the comments!