Disney Research’s engineers stand at the vanguard of the transformation in contemporary storytelling, pioneering inventive solutions to amplify the authenticity of characters and stunts across film and theme park settings. This major change has seen storytelling evolve into a multi-faceted pursuit, seamlessly melding together artistry, scientific inquiry, and technological advancement to craft immersive narratives.
Disney Research’s robotics team has unveiled a collection of videos showcasing a range of technologies, featuring stick-shaped robots equipped with thrusters and water rocket propulsion systems among them. These advancements enable robots to perform stunts more realistically by providing them with a soft-landing mechanism, crucial for ensuring their safety during aerial maneuvers.
One of the featured robots is a slender, stick-shaped device with ducted fans arranged atop its structure. Equipped with a piston-modeled foot, this robot effectively cushions the shock of descents and stabilizes itself using precise aerodynamic thrust adjustments. Unlike traditional walking or hopping robots, which rely on ground contact for stability, Disney’s robots leverage aerodynamic forces to maintain balance, opening up possibilities for more dynamic motions such as running or hopping.
Another video demonstrates a larger robot falling dramatically from a height of 65 feet, employing a similar array of ducted fans and piston-like feet. Upon impact, compressible foam in the feet optimizes energy dissipation, reducing the force of the landing. Additionally, the team showcases a mid-air halt and control strategy, using a combination of thrust modulation and water rocket propulsion to achieve precise maneuvers.
Despite these advancements, challenges remain, such as incorporating the technology into characters with hinged legs and addressing concerns regarding packaging and aesthetics. Ensuring precise landing locations also raises considerations for perception and control. However, the team at Disney Research is confident in their ability to overcome these challenges and continue pushing the boundaries of storytelling technology.
The robotics team at Disney Research is leading the charge in pioneering inventive solutions that amalgamate art, science, and technology to fabricate immersive storytelling encounters. Through the creation of soft landing mechanisms and exacting control methodologies, they are fundamentally altering the dynamics of character interaction within the realms of both cinema and theme parks. This groundbreaking work is laying the foundation for increasingly dynamic and authentic performances in the years to come.
