Disney creates robotic stunt double capable of performing superhuman feats
POSTED 05 Jul 2018 . BY Megan Whitby
Disney's newest robotics breakthrough is named Stuntronics Credit: DIsney
Disney’s Imagineers have unveiled their latest innovation in new generation robotics – an autonomous robotic stunt double.
Called Stuntronics, the animatronic robot can control and alter its pose in mid air, as well as guaranteeing the completion of sophisticated aerial stunts with precision every time.
The robot represents a significant improvement to traditional animatronics, as it can be flung from a wire 60ft (18.3m) into the air and execute acrobatics while in flight.
Robots have been used throughout Disney's theme parks for decades to help create an immersive experience for visitors, as the company wants to make the Disney universe and its characters as vivid and as true to their films as possible.
Typically, animatronic figures only run through a specific pre-built cycle of movements and remain in a fixed spot. However, the Stuntronics figure is different to other models, as it is significantly larger, weighing 90 pounds and assuming a human form.
The Stuntronics programme originally began as Disney’s "Stickman" project – based on a Z-shaped robot fitted with a laser-range finder, that produces a variety of somersaulting stunts. The project was sparked by a universal concern at Disney that its parks' robots did not match the increasingly authentic nature of its on-screen characters. As a result, Disney chose to task its Imagineers with improving the dynamicity of its animatronics.
Stickman uses an IMU and laser range-finder to estimate its state mid-flight and actuates in the air to change its motion.
This year, Disney has also produced other autonomous robots that are interactive.
These new robotic aliens, called ‘The Vyloo’, are a part of Disney's Guardians of the Galaxy ride, Mission:BREAKOUT, and are capable of moods and interacting with Disney’s visitors prompted by social and physical cues from guests.
Numbers from the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions, (ALVA) show that Royal attractions
saw a huge increase in visitor numbers during 2023 – the coronation year of King Charles III.
Off the back of the success of the first round of Everyday Heritage Grants in 2022, Historic
England is funding 56 creative projects that honour the heritage of working-class England.
Universal has revealed it will be adding new Harry Potter attractions, alongside Super Nintendo
and How to Train Your Dragon worlds to its Florida resort.
Cruise Ship Interiors (CSI) invites cruise lines, shipyards, design studios, outfitters,
and suppliers to take part in CSI Design Expo Americas in Miami, Florida, the region’s only
event dedicated to cruise ship interior design. [more...]
Disney creates robotic stunt double capable of performing superhuman feats
POSTED 05 Jul 2018 . BY Megan Whitby
Disney's newest robotics breakthrough is named Stuntronics Credit: DIsney
Disney’s Imagineers have unveiled their latest innovation in new generation robotics – an autonomous robotic stunt double.
Called Stuntronics, the animatronic robot can control and alter its pose in mid air, as well as guaranteeing the completion of sophisticated aerial stunts with precision every time.
The robot represents a significant improvement to traditional animatronics, as it can be flung from a wire 60ft (18.3m) into the air and execute acrobatics while in flight.
Robots have been used throughout Disney's theme parks for decades to help create an immersive experience for visitors, as the company wants to make the Disney universe and its characters as vivid and as true to their films as possible.
Typically, animatronic figures only run through a specific pre-built cycle of movements and remain in a fixed spot. However, the Stuntronics figure is different to other models, as it is significantly larger, weighing 90 pounds and assuming a human form.
The Stuntronics programme originally began as Disney’s "Stickman" project – based on a Z-shaped robot fitted with a laser-range finder, that produces a variety of somersaulting stunts. The project was sparked by a universal concern at Disney that its parks' robots did not match the increasingly authentic nature of its on-screen characters. As a result, Disney chose to task its Imagineers with improving the dynamicity of its animatronics.
Stickman uses an IMU and laser range-finder to estimate its state mid-flight and actuates in the air to change its motion.
This year, Disney has also produced other autonomous robots that are interactive.
These new robotic aliens, called ‘The Vyloo’, are a part of Disney's Guardians of the Galaxy ride, Mission:BREAKOUT, and are capable of moods and interacting with Disney’s visitors prompted by social and physical cues from guests.
Numbers from the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions, (ALVA) show that Royal attractions
saw a huge increase in visitor numbers during 2023 – the coronation year of King Charles III.
Off the back of the success of the first round of Everyday Heritage Grants in 2022, Historic
England is funding 56 creative projects that honour the heritage of working-class England.
Universal has revealed it will be adding new Harry Potter attractions, alongside Super Nintendo
and How to Train Your Dragon worlds to its Florida resort.
Cruise Ship Interiors (CSI) invites cruise lines, shipyards, design studios, outfitters,
and suppliers to take part in CSI Design Expo Americas in Miami, Florida, the region’s only
event dedicated to cruise ship interior design. [more...]