Watch Disneys new AI-powered Olaf robot wander around Arendelle
Disney is taking the magic of its theme parks to new heights with the introduction of an AI-powered Olaf animatronic, a groundbreaking innovation that promises to enhance guest interactions and experiences. Recently unveiled through a series of social media teasers and a captivating YouTube documentary, this state-of-the-art robot showcases remarkable capabilities, including independent navigation, expressive limb and facial movements, and the ability to engage in lively Frozen-themed conversations with park visitors. This new technology marks a significant milestone for Disney’s Imagineers, combining artificial intelligence with the beloved storytelling that the company is known for.
The new Olaf animatronic, which will soon make its debut at Disneyland Paris in the World of Frozen area, utilizes advanced reinforcement learning techniques to navigate its environment autonomously. This cutting-edge technology was developed through a collaboration between Disney, NVIDIA, and Google DeepMind, resulting in the creation of an open-source simulation framework called Newton, as well as an accompanying simulator named Kamino. In promotional footage, Olaf can be seen waddling through the park, greeting guests with a cheerful “Hello!” as he engages with them in a charming and interactive manner. Notably, the robot’s design includes removable arms and a nose, reminiscent of the character from the movies, and its body is adorned with iridescent fibers that evoke the enchanting essence of snow.
Disney’s commitment to innovation is evident in their blog post, where they describe this debut as the beginning of a new era in character technology. The company emphasizes the seamless blend of technology, storytelling, and collaboration in bringing iconic characters to life, stating that the Olaf animatronic is one of the most expressive and lifelike figures they have ever created. With plans to expand this line of AI-powered robots, including other characters like the BDX Droids and H.E.R.B.I.E., Disney aims to revolutionize the speed and creativity with which they can introduce new characters to their guests. The Olaf robot is set to make limited appearances at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, further expanding its reach. For those interested in the behind-the-scenes magic, Disney’s YouTube series “We Call It Imagineering” offers an inside look at the creation of this remarkable animatronic and the future of Disney character innovation.
The magic that powers
Disney
parks around the world is getting an AI upgrade.
The entertainment giant’s parks division has released the first look at a
new, AI-powered Olaf animatronic
in a series of social media posts and a short YouTube documentary, showcasing the robot’s ability to independently navigate around the park, move its limbs and facial expressions, and engage in Frozen-themed banter with guests.
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In promotional videos of the new robot, Olaf waddles through Disneyland Paris’ World of Frozen land at a quick pace as the park’s experts explain how he works. At one point, the animatronic stops between them, looks up, and, waving his stick arm, says a bright “Hello!”
Disney’s crafty Imagineers designed the new generation animatronic using a form of artificial intelligence called
reinforcement learning
, allowing the self-propelling robot to mimic motions and navigate and interact with its environment independently. Disney partnered with NVIDIA and Google DeepMind to build a new open-source simulation framework called Newton and an accompanying simulator called Kamino to power the robotics.
The robot’s nose and arms are also removable, just like in the films, and iridescent fibers were embedded across it’s body to mimic magical snow. With additional AI powering its ability to speak and respond to guests on its own, Disney has called it the most expressive and true-to-life characters it’s ever built.
“This debut marks a new chapter in Disney character innovation, one where technology, storytelling, and collaboration come together to bring screen to reality,” the company wrote in a blog post, noting it plans to expand to the line of robots in the future. “The BDX Droids, self-balancing H.E.R.B.I.E., and now Olaf represent increasing levels of performance and innovation in bringing Disney characters to life. The speed at which we can create new characters and introduce them to guests is unprecedented.”
The Olaf robot will start interacting with guests at Disneyland Paris soon, according to Disney, and will make limited appearances at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. Watch Disney’s latest episode of ”
We Call It Imagineering
,” it’s behind-the-scenes YouTube show, to see more:
