The Walt Disney Company has plans to take “untethered” robots into the sky with “hybrid air and water power”, according to a new patent.
Disney’s new technology would use air and water to make robots fly, Orlando Business Journal reports. The patent is titled ‘untethered robot with hybrid air and water power for hovering and quick airborne movements’.
“In-flight movements and stable or controlled landings for a flying robot have recently come into demand to provide unique and surprising entertainment to audiences in settings where it may be difficult to utilize live performers,” the patent says.
The air and water system would allow the flying robot to change directions and pose. Additionally, the patent says images of superheroes and characters could be projected onto the robot while it is in the air.
State-of-the-art Disney technology
Robots can already be seen in Disney’s theme parks. For example, an animatronic Spider-Man is used to fly above the rooftops of Avengers Campus. The humanoid robot can carry out stunts like a human stunt performer.
Disney has also filed a patent for a ‘robotic sherpa’, or “mobile locker”, that would bring theme park visitors’ belongings directly to them, saving them a walk across the attraction to fetch items stored at static locker stations.
Early last year, a patent was granted to Disney for technology that would allow visitors to enjoy a virtual world without VR headsets or AR-enabled devices.
The company later filed a patent for rides that would offer a 3D virtual experience without VR headsets or AR-enabled devices.
Images: Disney
