Disney Robotics | TC Sessions: Robotics + AI 2020

TL;DR

Disney Imagineering has been using free roaming vehicles in their parks for over 40 years, with each attraction showcasing unique and hidden technology to create immersive experiences for guests.

Transcript

joining us from the Walt Disney Imagineering research and development team will be Dawson dil senior Imagineer Berardi Selena Herman who's the tech technical program manager at Walt Disney Imagineering for R&D and Joe Moe host the principle imaginary Rd as well as your moderator Matthew Panzer you know but before I bring them up I want to throw to ... Read More

Key Insights

• 🥶 Disney Imagineering has been using free roaming vehicles in their parks for over 40 years, showcasing hidden technology to create immersive experiences.
• 👶 The vehicles have evolved over time, becoming more advanced and incorporating new technologies such as virtual reality.
• 🚙 Disney hides the technology of the vehicles to enhance the storytelling and create a more immersive experience for guests.

Questions & Answers

Q: What was Disney's first use of free roaming vehicles in their parks?

The first use of free roaming vehicles was in the Universe of Energy attraction in 1982, where massive vehicles were used to transport guests through different scenes about energy.

Q: How has the technology of free roaming vehicles evolved over time?

The technology has become more advanced, allowing vehicles to move independently, interact with the environment, and even be controlled by virtual reality systems.

Q: Why does Disney hide the technology of their free roaming vehicles?

Disney wants the focus to be on the immersive experience for guests, so they hide the technology and design the vehicles to have personalities and feel like living organisms.

Q: What is the latest and most advanced use of free roaming vehicles in Disney parks?

The most advanced use of free roaming vehicles is in the Rise of the Resistance attraction, where vehicles have personalities, interact with guests, and are part of a larger story experience.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Disney Imagineering has been using free roaming vehicles since 1982, starting with the Universe of Energy attraction.

• These vehicles are wire-guided and can move independently, allowing guests to experience different scenes and interact with characters.

• Over the years, Disney has continued to improve and innovate their free roaming vehicle systems, incorporating new technologies and creating more immersive experiences for guests.