Those Freakin' Stunt Robots

[Rich T]

Thoughts after watching the video sampler of Imagineering's Terminator replacement for human acrobatics:


1) What could possibly go wrong?
2) Now we know where the cut Pixar Pier/Toy Story Land funds went.

More serious:

3) It's cool n' all, but how practical/useful/applicable is the end result compared to what else those funds might have been put toward?
4) It strikes me as having the CGI-in-movies effect (where special effects become commonplace and nothing special): When you know it's a machine being tossed around, there's no suspense or awe that you'd get watching a human performer. It's just machines being tossed around.

 

[Hakunamatata]

I get the same feeling watching robo Lincoln or all those AA dolls in IASW......not.

 

[Rich T]

I get the same feeling watching robo Lincoln or all those AA dolls in IASW......not.

Good point. It all depends on the application. Lincoln's a super-classy tech demo, and IASW presents a stylized world you can't create with real people. I'm curious to know more about the flying robot plans.

 

[Hakunamatata]

Good point. It all depends on the application. Lincoln's a super-classy tech demo, and IASW presents a stylized world you can't create with real people. I'm curious to know more about the flying robot plans.

My guess is that you wont see an entire show of robot gymnast. They will be incorporated into different shows or entertainment venues where they could be easily removed should technical difficulties occur.

 

[shortstop]

Spider-Man

 

[Rich T]

My guess is that you wont see an entire show of robot gymnast. They will be incorporated into different shows or entertainment venues where they could be easily removed should technical difficulties occur.

That's my guess, too. Which comes back to "Is this worth the investment?" I keep thinking about Lucky the Dinosaur, the AK dragon ultralight and the Remy AA: Lots of money spent to briefly entertain a small number of people. Nothing happens without exploration of new ideas, but what's the long-term goal?

 

[Rich T]

Spider-Man

Three or four of these "cannon-shots" seamlessly interspersed throughout a live-action stunt show... I'd be interested in that! Again, there's no suspense when you know it's a robot, but if it's fun enough, I guess that wouldn't matter.

 

[shortstop]

Three or four of these "cannon-shots" seamlessly interspersed throughout a live-action stunt show... I'd be interested in that! Again, there's no suspense when you know it's a robot, but if it's fun enough, I guess that wouldn't matter.

I’m thinking something like atmospheric entertainment... like you look up and maybe you see Spidey, as opposed to a full on show that you queue for. That would be cool.

 

[NateD1226]

I’m thinking something like atmospheric entertainment... like you look up and maybe you see Spidey, as opposed to a full on show that you queue for. That would be cool.

That would be very cool for Marvel Land!

 

[CaptainAmerica]

Again, there's no suspense when you know it's a robot...

I don't think the reason people go see live shows is to see whether a performer is going to crack their heads open...

 

[Disney Irish]

Not only is there applications for this inside the parks, but outside as well. Such as the ability for more realistic stunts in films when its too dangerous for real stunt performers. And because these can be used over and over the savings in not using CGI will recoup the cost in just one film.

 

[Rich T]

I don't think the reason people go see live shows is to see whether a performer is going to crack their heads open...

Of course not. But the back-of-your-mind fear for their safety is a very real element in any live performance involving stunts or acrobaticss, and leads to the rush of awe and appreciation for human skill you feel when they pull it off.

None of that is present when watching machines. But if the story-telling/set-up is good enough to make up for it, well okay then.

 

[Rich T]

Not only is there applications for this inside the parks, but outside as well. Such as the ability for more realistic stunts in films when its too dangerous for real stunt performers. And because these can be used over and over the savings in not using CGI will recoup the cost in just one film.

Hadn't even thought of that! I welcome any cure for the CGI-blahs.

 

[britain]

Do you know how many times performances of the "Spider-Man: Turn off the Dark" musical got cancelled because of performers getting hurt doing stunts much more minor than what this robot is doing?

If you want to see any stunts approaching what you see in the films, performed several times a day, 365 days a year, you'll need technology like this.

 

[NateD1226]

Do you know how many times performances of the "Spider-Man: Turn off the Dark" musical got cancelled because of performers getting hurt doing stunts much more minor than what this robot is doing?

If you want to see any stunts approaching what you see in the films, performed several times a day, 365 days a year, you'll need technology like this.

One of the first results when you type in Spider-Man: Turn off the Dark is all of the injuries. People have fell 20 ft off the sets becasue of that stunts that are performed in the show. It is crazy!

 

[Minnesota disney fan]

I don't know, all valid arguments. I go to a show to watch People, not machines. The attraction just isn't there for me, IMO.

 

[britain]

I don't know, all valid arguments. I go to a show to watch People, not machines. The attraction just isn't there for me, IMO.

Yes, outside of Disney, sure. But isn't a show like American Adventure still a draw for you?

 

[Phroobar]

All I see are robots taking stunt performer jobs. What's next? Putting hard working Star Speeder pilots out of jobs? We know no robot pilot can fly a ship to Endor better than a human pilot. The REX series of pilots nearly kill thousands everyday before Disney was forced put an end to their glitchy programming. I say we build a new Tomorrowland where human potential and ingenuity are on display and not focus on these foreign robots.

 

[Minnesota disney fan]

Yes, outside of Disney, sure. But isn't a show like American Adventure still a draw for you?

No, I would go for the patriotic theme, who ever was there. I was talking about what they were doing in the video, that is, stunt show stuff. That kind of thing I like to see real people performing them. Sure, a machine could do it, but not the same for me.

 

[Disney Irish]

No, I would go for the patriotic theme, who ever was there. I was talking about what they were doing in the video, that is, stunt show stuff. That kind of thing I like to see real people performing them. Sure, a machine could do it, but not the same for me.

I kind of assume that once all dressed up the final product you won’t be able to tell if it’s human or bot.