Disney Research Unveils Latest Emotional Bipedal Robot at Disneyland

Disney Research Unveils Emotional Bipedal Robot at Disneyland

Disney Research , a prominent organization at the forefront of technology and innovation , recently introduced a groundbreaking robot at Disneyland Californias Star Wars : Galaxys Edge . The BDX Droid , inspired by the popular Star Wars Jedi : Fallen Order video game , was developed by Moritz Bacher , the associate lab director at Disney Research in Zurich . This innovative robot combines modular hardware , learning software , and 3D printing to create a one - of - a - kind experience for park visitors.

Expressive Movements and Emotions

The BDX Droid features advanced technology that allows it to perform a wide range of movements and express emotions . Disney Research engineers collaborated closely with Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development animators to ensure that the robot can convey emotions through its actions . By utilizing a reinforcement learning - based pipeline that combines simulation and legged locomotion , the robot can walk , balance dynamically , and showcase emotions such as strutting and prancing.

Reduced Training Time and Future Prospects

Disney 's new development techniques have significantly reduced the time required to train robots on new behaviors . According to Bacher , Disney can now develop new robotic characters in a matter of months , rather than years . This breakthrough opens up exciting possibilities for the future , as Disney explores how robotic characters can enhance the overall park experience for guests . The introduction of charismatic robots like the BDX Droid may just be the beginning of a new era in theme park entertainment.

Disney Research has also developed a reinforcement learning - based architecture to control the robot 's movements , allowing it to perform complex actions such as tilting its head and expressing various emotions . Through a combination of animation input by artists and movements input using controllers , the robot can exhibit lifelike movements and behaviors that captivate audiences.

Overall , Disney 's innovative approach to robotics is paving the way for a new wave of interactive experiences at its theme parks . With the introduction of emotionally expressive robots like the BDX Droid , guests can look forward to encountering a whole new world of entertainment and immersion in the near future.