Walt Disney Imagineering showcases a new prototype robot for the first time at SXSW

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Disney at SXSW 2023

Posted: Friday March 10, 2023 2:53pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Disney Parks Chairman appeared at the South by Southwest, (SXSW) conference today to talk about how Disney Parks tells stories through tools, immersive environments, sensory-provoking food and music, visual effects, and interactions with Disney characters.

Josh D'Amaro at SXSW 2023

Imagineers took to the stage to show for the first time a brand-new prototype robot. It can make dynamic maneuvers, including falling down and getting back up, as well as a somersault.

This robot pushes the boundaries of what characters can do in Disney experiences.

@disneyparks Disney Imagineers showing their prototype robot has us like ?????? #SXSW #Disney #DisneyParks #Imagineers #Rollerskates #Robot #RobotTok #New #Technology ? original sound - Disney Parks

Imagineers also shared a behind-the-scenes look at another blue-sky concept that lets guests engage in real-time conversation with pixie-sized Tinker Bell.

Using special technology, Tinker Bell can interact with you like never before.

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The Moles Family6 days ago

I think what josh showed at this event is a newer sabre? Originally did it it only ignite hence the awkward switch Rey has to do on the star cruiser? Looks like they’ve made it work north ways but I agree very fragile and expensive. Give it 10 years and they’ll have a mass market version to sell

TP20006 days ago

I knew a guy like that once. He at least would buy a round of drinks on occasion. :cool:

MagicHappens19717 days ago

It’s very fragile, expensive and doesn’t look good up close, only from a far. Only place they use it is for like 10 seconds during the finale show on Starcruiser.

mkt7 days ago

Absurdly expensive? Like so stupid expensive that if it gets damaged or stolen (both very real possibilities knowing my ex-entertainment CMs) someone, or several people, will lose their jobs?

Cmdr_Crimson12 days ago

When I saw this, all I could think of is this...

MarvelCharacterNerd12 days ago

I swear the ONLY times I've seen the successful jump (rather than the splat or no jump) is when I DON'T have my camera out and ready. lol If my camera is out - SPLAT. :p Still don't have a good jump video.

MarvelCharacterNerd12 days ago

Hulk was only out for a limited time at DCA and is gone now (Kang and Cassie are the current seasonal visitors), but he is heading to Paris so hopefully you'll catch him there. (And I'm terribly jealous lol - I'd love to see the Paris Avengers Campus for the different stunt shows and character photo ops they have!)

Sorcerer Mickey13 days ago

I REALLY wish I would have seen this in DCA last month, but a las, the jumping Spider-Man didn't work either.

NotCalledBob13 days ago

Thanks! I have trips booked to both DLR, and DLP. So I should hopefully see it soon. I will go with an open mind!

TP200013 days ago

Remember when they did this instant-dialogue tech at Disneyland??? Almost 13 years ago? It's a real shame that Disney doesn't have enough funds and capital to put on this level of showmanship daily for paying customers. You can tell they want to exceed expectations, but they just can't quite get the funding or any investors to put up some cash for it. 🤔 I wonder how much the tab was on Mr. D'Amaro's stay at the Commodore Perry in Austin for his little SXSW talk?

RSoxNo113 days ago

And you're seeing it one less time per week thanks to the cuts at Galactic Starcruiser

MarvelCharacterNerd13 days ago

The Hulk was awesome in person. And I use awesome in the sense of "awe" not in California-speak. :) Was it limited in function and movement? Sure. But as a prototype it was extraordinary. Seeing its sheer size interacting with the tinier people around it was very cool. And it had a big range of lines to say. It was a big step up from the Baymax balloon-ish costume and from the Avatar-land exo suit encounter outfit thing. And I think as it evolves, it will definitely provide added value to the park character experience. A taste of what he was like:

wdwmagic14 days ago

Well not in the hands of guests. But remember all those lovely overhead bridges and balconies in Galaxy's Edge that would be just the perfect place for some out of touch range saber wielding!

MisterPenguin14 days ago

Well, the SXSW is a different audience than the usual parkophiles. The saber is too dainty to be used by or near guests. Bang it against something and it will fold over like a carpenter's tape measure. It's like showing off an animatronic. It's something that guests should only see out of touch range, and would not be appropriate to be running around the parks.