Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) are accelerating the development of robots in the attractions industry. Put simply, AI refers to computer systems that can perform tasks that normally require human intelligence. Using AI, machines such as robots can see, speak, make decisions, solve problems and more. They can also greet visitors, critique and create artworks, curate exhibitions, provide security, serve food and entertain guests.
Robodogs
Visitors can see robotic canines roaming the lobby at Dubai’s Museum of the Future, monitoring the impact of climate change at Blenheim Palace in the UK, or pooping out art critiques at Madrid’s Colección SOLO. Robodog joined the Museum of the Future’s growing robot community earlier this year.
These include an AI-powered humanoid bot named Ameca, Bob the robot barista, and a robotic flying penguin and jellyfish. “With Ameca, the robodog, and others, the Museum of the Future enables visitors to meet some of the most cutting-edge and advanced robots and AI systems currently on the market,” said Majed Al Mansoori, the museum’s deputy executive director.
The Museum of the Future’s robodog has 3D vision and moves using 17 joints. It was designed by US technology firm Boston Dynamics. Through 360-degree perception, it can map the terrain and avoid obstacles. It can also balance on uneven surfaces, navigate stairs and collect 2D and 3D information using sensors.
In the UK, Blenheim Palace teamed up with the Oxford Robotics Institute (ORI) and Oxford Biology to test a robot dog monitoring the impact of climate change. The robot is gathering data about the health and biodiversity of Blenheim Palace’s estate. The Times reports that the robot, named Spot, uses hyperspectral image analysis and AI to collect this information.
“Oxford Robotics Institute’s mission is to develop the technology necessary to allow robots to be useful in challenging environments,” said Nick Hawes, director of the Oxford Robotics Institute (via the Telegraph). “A major part of our development process is testing our innovations in the real world, as part of field trials.”
“As we face up to the challenges of climate change it is essential that we protect the estate’s unique natural heritage,” said David Green, Blenheim Palace’s head of innovation. “By monitoring its ecosystem we can accurately track changes and help to mitigate them.”
In Spain, Colección SOLO is home to a robot canine called A.I.C.C.A. This can write critiques of artworks and then poop them out on paper. The museum’s resident art critic looks like a cute, plush terrier and has a camera in one eye.
Invented by German artist and AI art pioneer Mario Klingemann, it is mounted on an electric platform to move around the gallery. Named A.I.C.C.A., or ‘Artificially Intelligent Critical Canine’, the bot combines retro aesthetics with complex algorithms, ChatGPT and humour.
Robot security
Robot security guards are already patrolling theme parks in the US.
In 2022, ROAMEO (Rugged Observation Assistance Mobile Electronic Officer) debuted at Six Flags Over Texas and Six Flags Magic Mountain. The autonomous bot has cameras, speakers and a touchscreen, as well as a two-way communication system. It can tell when visitors are in restricted areas and determine when guests are not wearing face coverings. Additionally, it can provide information on wait times for rides, and give directions to attractions.
Also last year, Disney filed a patent for a robotic sherpa, or “mobile locker”. Visitors at its parks would call it to their location or a designated spot using an electronic device. The bot would bring visitors’ belongings directly to them, saving them a walk across the attraction to get any items stored at static locker stations.
The robot helper would be able to “interact with customers through a display, microphone, and speaker”, the patent adds. Each mobile locker would have a detachable storage container with a locking mechanism. It would also feature an insulated compartment for storing cold drinks and other items. The bot would also include a proximity sensor to avoid collisions.
Diego Parras, a spokesperson for Walt Disney Imagineering, told Orlando Business Journal:
“As Imagineers, we’re always pushing technology and innovation and testing new applications for possible future opportunities. At this point, we simply are exploring potential uses for this technology and have no plans for specific implementation.”
AI-powered robot staffers
Alibaba Group’s futuristic FlyZoo Hotel in Hangzhou, China has employed robots to deliver cocktails and fresh towels for some years. The Henn na Hotel at Huis Ten Bosch previously had an almost entirely robot staff. However, the hotel later said it would fire almost half of the bots because they caused more work for human workers.
India’s Gujarat Science City is a science-based theme park with a robotic gallery, created by Cube Construction Engineering Ltd., and an F&B outlet with robot waiters and chefs. Highlights at Gujarat Science City include a group of performing robots with a drummer, trumpeter, pianist and five dancers. It is also home to the humanoid robot Asimo, created by Honda in 2000.
Smit Shah from Cube Construction Engineering Ltd told blooloop:
“When people think of robots, they often picture a humanoid figure that looks like a person but is a machine. That’s not actually true. In our lives, we use many machines that are robots. Here we have many kinds of working robots that people can interact with, and see how they work.”
Showtime Pictures, a leading operator of photography concessions at tourist attractions, recently launched a robot photographer and customer service assistant. Named Purple, the new robot can take pictures by tracking faces automatically and greet customers. Purple can recognise the person in front of her through facial recognition. She is able to display all of their pictures on her screen, collect money, print the pictures and airdrop images to phones instantly.
Disney, meanwhile, is exploring new ways to transform business processes using robots. This would then liberate cast members from some of their more repetitive tasks. The robotic platform would be able to copy monotonous tasks using machine learning to process documents and mimic human interactions with systems.
“The innovative automations and robotic solutions our amazing team create truly inspire me – removing impediments and freeing fellow cast members to focus on what they love to do: creating magic for our guests,” said Sean T Murphy, senior product manager on the business process automation team, part of Disney’s technology and digital department.
In 2021, Walt Disney World Resort’s golf courses introduced robot golf carts. The robotic TempoWalk carts use GPS and Bluetooth technology to transport clubs around Disney’s Palm, Magnolia and Oak Trail golf courses.
Marine robots
Special effects company Edge Innovations has created a robotic dolphin. This could potentially replace live dolphins and whales in captivity in aquariums and theme parks across China. The realistic swimming dolphin was designed and built in collaboration with Walt Conti and Roger Holzberg, former creative director and vice president at Walt Disney Imagineering respectively.
It weighs 595 pounds and has a battery life of approximately 10 hours. It can also survive in a saltwater environment for about 10 years. The dolphin can simulate the movements and appearance of an adolescent bottlenose dolphin. It has a realistic skeletal and muscle structure and accurate weight distribution.
However, it does not have cameras, sensors or intelligence to make it autonomous. Instead, a nearby operator controls it, to respond in real-time to commands and interactions.
The idea was first tested more than 20 years ago at The Seas with Nemo & Friends (formerly The Living Seas) at Epcot. The robotic dolphin, known as the Dolphin Robotic Unit (DRU), could swim around the tank and interact with real divers. It was then used as part of an interactive experience at Castaway Cay.
Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park later unveiled the world’s first robotic whale shark. Developed by Shenyang Astronautics Xinguang Group Co Ltd, it can operate autonomously or via remote control. The 4.7-metre-long bionic whale shark weighs 350kg. It can swim like a real shark at speeds of 0.7 metres per second and dive as deep as 10 metres below the surface (via The Paper).
AI is assisting visitor experiences without robots, too. The Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) in Taiwan has designed the world’s first interactive aquarium. This uses the technology to recognise aquatic species and display information about them.
Creative robots
Ai-Da, the world’s first ultra-realistic humanoid AI robot artist, is leading the way when it comes to creative robots.
She has spoken about creativity at the House of Lords, taken part in the world’s largest mass participation AI art event, and been involved in an AI exhibition and event series at Oxford University. She has even painted Queen Elizabeth II using the cameras in her eyes, an innovative painting arm and AI algorithms. Additionally, Ai-Da has exhibited at Tate Modern, London’s Design Museum, the V&A and the Ashmolean Museum.
Named after British mathematician and computer pioneer Ada Lovelace, Ai-Da was created by Aidan Meller. He told blooloop:
“My statement for Ai-Da is that she is an ethical arts project that is exploring the issues impacting us today that have not been resolved. Art is a remarkable channel through which we can discuss very challenging issues. Great art and great artists have always done this. They are relevant to their time. We can use art as a conduit for engaged discussion, to be able to resolve and move forward in the safest possible way, a solution to some of these difficult issues.”
An online art platform called the Museum of Wild and Newfangled Art (mowna) designed an AI curator for an exhibition titled ‘This Show is Curated by a Machine’. “We are interested in creating a machine that can curate in a diverse and ethical way, that is not founded in white supremacy or structures of inherent racism,” said Cari Ann Shim Sham, mowna’s co-founder and curator.
AI can contribute creatively in other ways. Vienna, for example, launched a tourism campaign using it to generate cat-themed versions of famous Austrian artworks. Meanwhile, Florida’s Dalí Museum opened an exhibition called ‘The Shape of Dreams’. Here visitors could see their own dreams transformed into works of art.
In addition, Area15 in Las Vegas has opened a new restaurant with artworks generated by AI.
Humanoid robots
Ai-Da is just one example of a humanoid robot. Ameca at the Museum of the Future in Dubai became the attraction’s first robotic employee last year. Manufactured by UK-based Engineered Arts and powered by AI, Ameca is “the world’s most advanced human-shaped robot”. It features a human-like face and a robotic body. It can interact with guests, answer their questions and give directions. Also, Ameca has facial expressions and can track movement.
“Designed specifically as a platform for development into future robotics technologies, Ameca is the perfect humanoid robot platform for human-robot interaction,” the manufacturer’s website says. “Smooth, lifelike motion and advanced facial expression capabilities means Ameca can strike an instant rapport with anybody.”
RoboLand, an innovative new attraction home to exhibits, shows and robots, opened earlier this year on International Drive in Orlando, Florida.
One robot star at RoboLand is called Sophia, billed as the world’s most sophisticated humanoid robot. Sophia has appeared on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. She has also addressed the United Nations. Powered by AI, Sophia has more than 70 facial expressions. She can understand, recognise, research, and have conversations with visitors.
At RoboLand, guests can also meet Thespian, Yanshee and iPal – all humanoid robots. In addition, RoboLand includes a robotic fish and a robot dog. Plus, it’s home to Titan, who made his debut on Britain’s Got Talent and has performed with Rihanna.
Robots and AI for good
Another of Ai-Da’s achievements was giving the keynote speech at the United Nations’ AI for Good summit. More robots at the summit included nursing assistant robot Grace and recycling bin robot TrashBot.
“The summit is a vital step forward,” said Ai-Da via an AI language model. “Through these conversations, I hope we can collectively navigate the complexities of our technological age and strive towards a future that is both realistic and ethically grounded.”
New York’s Strong National Museum of Play has also been working with robots, specifically giving children in hospital robotic access to the attraction. The child-friendly robot allowed users to see, hear and interact with other guests.
“Play is universal – regardless of health or location – and accessibility is a key part of the museum’s mission and values,” said Steve Dubnik, president and CEO of the museum. “We’re thrilled to be able to virtually whisk children away from their hospital rooms for some much-needed play.”
DOF Robotics, a producer of dynamic simulation platforms, developed autonomous disinfection robots to support medical workers during the pandemic. KT Corporation, the largest telecommunications company in South Korea, provided a self-driving disinfection robot service at KidZania Seoul. Musio is a reliable English language learning robot that can communicate in conversational English. It is used in classes at schools and academies.
AI and robots at Disney
Ever since the development of Disneyland in the early 1950s, Disney Research, Walt Disney Imagineering, and its predecessor WED Enterprises, have accelerated theme park technology and innovation.
Disney is working on robots that can imitate human facial movements, as well as soft-body robots, robots that can make dynamic manoeuvres, and bots that can chat with emotion, sculpt clay and fabricate metal forms.
Recently, Disney Research has been exploring how to improve a robot’s conversation with guests.
“For a conversation to be engaging, it is not only important to have something interesting to say – you also need to be able to express it in an appropriate and appealing tone and at the right time,” reads an extract from a paper on the topic by Maike Paetzel-Prusmann and James Kennedy from Disney Research.
Flying robots
The Walt Disney Company has plans to take “untethered” robots into the sky with “hybrid air and water power”, according to a new patent. The technology would use air and water to make robots fly, Orlando Business Journal reports.
“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.
At Disneyland, a robotic Spider-Man is already swinging above Avengers Campus. The bot can perform stunts like a human stunt performer. It keeps control of pose, rotation and centre of mass throughout the movement. It can perform aerial tricks accurately and on target, all while holding heroic poses in the air.
Big and small robots
Additionally, Walt Disney Imagineering has been testing its new Baby Groot robot at Disney California Adventure. The free-roaming Groot animatronic was first teased by Imagineering in 2021. It is part of the Project Kiwi robotics platform. The tiny robot can move and act on its own, and can interact with theme park guests.
“This prototype robot of Groot is one of many ways Walt Disney Imagineers are developing new, innovative ways to bring stories to life in Disney parks,” Disney said.
Scott LaValley, an Imagineer working on the project, told TechCrunch in 2021:
“Project Kiwi started about three years ago to figure out how we can bring our smaller characters to life at their actual scale in authentic ways.” He added: “It’s an exciting time for bipedal robotics and with an incredible team and our combination of technology, artistry and magic, we are bringing characters to life that could not have happened anywhere but Disney.”
The opposite of Project Kiwi is Imagineering’s Project Exo, also unveiled in 2021. This involves a full-body exoskeleton system to bring Disney’s biggest characters to life. Leslie Evans, a senior research and development Imagineer, told CNBC:
“One of the things that is so exciting about a project like this is that characters are a big way that we bring our lands to life, and having these gigantic characters that guests are going to be able to see from a far way away.”
Disney also introduced the Vyloo – three small alien creatures that appeared in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 – to Disney California Adventure back in 2018. An onboard system powers the autonomous critters. They display moods and can interpret non-verbal gestures and cues when they mingle with guests.
“What we pitched was a project to try to bring small autonomous animatronic creatures to life. We were really interested in the idea of creating some little guys that could truly respond to and interact with guests,” Evans told TechCrunch.
Robot takeover?
Concern over artificial intelligence has heightened in recent months.
Earlier this year, industry experts published a letter warning the technology could lead to the extinction of humanity. Many others believe that a sci-fi-style robot takeover is highly unlikely. In the attractions business, it would look like Disney parks plagued by tiny Groot bots and giant Wampas, museum visitors running from humanoid robots and pooping dog droids, and aquarium visitors watching as robotic marine creatures make cracks in their tanks.
Although robotics technology is making progress, this nightmare scenario is entirely fictional – at least for now. In the near future, we expect to see more automatons entertaining and serving visitors with no threat.