Disney Seeking Patent for Robot to Play Characters

An interesting permit was discovered which shows that Disney is attempting to get a patent for robots to play beloved Disney characters in the theme parks sometime in the future. This would possibly bring down the cost of labor however the patent states that the purpose would be to reduce collision impacts during human interaction.

The Orlando Sentinel stated,

“A new patent application by the entertainment giant doesn’t name specific characters, but it describes “designing a robot that will move and physically interact like an animated character.”

A prototype sketch filed with the patent application shows a round body, echoing the shape of the Baymax soft-robot character in Disney’s 2014 movie “Big Hero 6.” The application, and theme park observers, say the big issue for robotic interaction is safety. The document, dated Thursday, shows Disney research scientists in Pittsburgh have worked on prototypes identified only as “soft body 300” or “soft body 1000.”

Disney Declined to comment regarding the Patent.