Disney Unveils Human-Like Robot Technology At SXSW [Video]

Disney unveiled new robot technology during the Creating Happiness: The Art & Science of Disney Parks Storytelling at SXSW on Friday.

While Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro spoke to a couple of Imagineers, the new robot peaked out from a wooden box sitting on the stage. 

The robot tumbles out of the box on its own before pushing itself upright while on a pair of rollerblades. 

“Our characters are all about personality, right?” Disney Imagineer Morgan Pope asked. “Can you imagine what it’s like putting on roller skates for the very first time? It’s awkward. It’s clumsy, certainly terrifying, but ultimately, it’s exhilarating.”

The robot displayed remarkably human-like qualities, such as wobbling a bit before skating across the stage. It tumbled into a somersault before standing up on its own. And even moved its legs as Pope picked it up to place it on his shoulders. 

He did not reveal if and when the technology might be seen around Disney parks.

D’Amaro also debuted an interactive Tinker Bell that shows how guest interactions with characters could change in the future. The tiny Tinker Bell, standing inside a lantern, answered real-time questions, such as whether or not she ever gets jealous of Peter Pan. “Not at all,” she answered.

D’Amaro only revealed a little about how the magic happens, other than noting the use of a live performer. 

Next, he introduced a new life-sized Hulk, also utilizing a live performer.

Hulk just dropped by! Did you know that Disney Imagineers borrowed design features from the anatomy of an ostrich for inspiration for creating the legs of this unique exoskeleton? #SXSW pic.twitter.com/kzz0hL5nqy

— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) March 10, 2023

​​”All right, I made it. Ugh, time-jumping is such a drag, am I right?” the Hulk quipped. “Oh hey, Josh.”

According to D’Amaro, the Hulk could be headed to Avengers in Disneyland Paris, which prompted Hulk to joke about needing to catch up on his French.

According to Disney Parks Twitter, Imagineers borrowed design ideas from the anatomy of an ostrich when designing Hulk’s legs. 

What will those Imagineers think of next?