Disney is building robots that walk like its animated characters

[Cmdr_Crimson]

Uh...Oh....
http://www.geek.com/news/disney-is-building-robots-that-walk-like-its-animated-characters-1623879/


Now giving the fact this was being worked on...Why have they not learned from the Simpsons...

 

[landauh]

If you are interested in working on these WDI has an job posting on DisneyCareers.com

 

[IWant2GoNow]

Is that supposed to be Pooh? It's what it reminds me of anyway.

Edit: Wait... are we going to have robo-Ewoks in Star Wars land?

 

[Rteetz]

Didn't Disney just hire a robotics expert? This is probably related.

 

[TyrantBoss]

If this takes off it's only a matter of time until cast members are replaced by robotic characters. Then we can have characters like Pooh, Eeyore, Tigger, the 7 dwarves, who actually are closer to the actual size instead of gigantic.

But I STILL don't understand why we haven't seen a remote controlled WALL-E in Tomorrowland. Or with his cleaning up the planet program....Epcot by the breezeway to the Land pavilion.

 

[Brian]

Sounds a lot like the story of how Toontown Online began.

 

[Dead2009]

I, for one, welcome our new Disney robot overlords.

 

[FigmentJedi]

Now giving the fact this was being worked on...Why have they not learned from the Simpsons...

Forget Simpsons, we have three games about why this is a bad idea.

 

[mouse_luv]

Ok, I am officially creeped out.

 

[Cmdr_Crimson]

Forget Simpsons, we have three games about why this is a bad idea.

Epic Mickey had them well before that..

 

[EOD K9]

It will only be a matter of time before SkyNet takes over.

 

[brb1006]

Is Push The Trashcan going to return?

 

[phi2134]

You really think Disney will go this route when they can underpay a few cast members instead of worrying about development and maintenance of these machines? I could see this being used for a ride maybe, but definitely not in the parks with people. Seems very risky to have Goofy put Susy or Johnny in a warm embrace and lock up.

"I'm sorry Billy, Mickey is 101 today, he is getting his nuts adjusted"

 

[MerlinTheGoat]

Forget Simpsons, we have three games about why this is a bad idea.

Only if someone stuffs them with corpses. If that happens then Universal can start an ad campaign for Jurassic Park claiming that when Pirates of the Caribbean breaks down, the Pirates really do eat the guests.

 

[Magenta Panther]

But that looked AWFUL. Is this really a thing?

On the other hand, MIT has built a four-legged robot that can not only run like heck, it can jump over things:

 

[the.dreamfinder]

If this takes off it's only a matter of time until cast members are replaced by robotic characters. Then we can have characters like Pooh, Eeyore, Tigger, the 7 dwarves, who actually are closer to the actual size instead of gigantic.

But I STILL don't understand why we haven't seen a remote controlled WALL-E in Tomorrowland. Or with his cleaning up the planet program....Epcot by the breezeway to the Land pavilion.

I don't see these 'living characters' as great cost savings for the company from a labor perspective. Lucky, Remy and the Muppet Mobile lab, the forerunners of any future efforts, are puppets which require well trained and compensated puppeteers. Much more expensive than the $7.50 the kid in the foam head is making.
However, if Disney was still a company whose primary concern was offering the best in family entertainment, cost would be secondary to offering the best possible experience to its guests.

 

[DManRightHere]

If this takes off it's only a matter of time until cast members are replaced by robotic characters. Then we can have characters like Pooh, Eeyore, Tigger, the 7 dwarves, who actually are closer to the actual size instead of gigantic.

But I STILL don't understand why we haven't seen a remote controlled WALL-E in Tomorrowland. Or with his cleaning up the planet program....Epcot by the breezeway to the Land pavilion.

Matter of time for replacing CM characters...maybe, could be a liability (But so can CM's lol)!

I wonder if Disney wants walking animatronics for attractions...wouldn't these things likely need to stay plugged in?

 

[MagicHappens1971]

Matter of time for replacing CM characters...maybe, could be a liability (But so can CM's lol)!

I wonder if Disney wants walking animatronics for attractions...wouldn't these things likely need to stay plugged in?

From the previous sorta wireless "free-roaming- Animatronics, it would probably have to be cycled, sorta like a CM in a costume

 

[DManRightHere]

From the previous sorta wireless "free-roaming- Animatronics, it would probably have to be cycled, sorta like a CM in a costume

Makes sense, but a lot more expensive. I suppose they could just change the power supply. I still don't see letting guests interact with a 2 legged walking animatronic (anytime soon). It just sounds unsafe lol.

 

[Magenta Panther]

Makes sense, but a lot more expensive. I suppose they could just change the power supply. I still don't see letting guests interact with a 2 legged walking animatronic (anytime soon). It just sounds unsafe lol.

Maybe these new bots could be used for an indoor setting, like Storytime with Belle. Picture a CM interacting with a talking, walking Cogsworth that's the same size as the Cogsworth in the movie. That would be awesome!!!!