Standing in a poorly illuminated Disney Imagineering Research and Development lab, I am experiencing a firsthand demonstration of a groundbreaking invention—a “magic” floor that bestows upon me Jedi powers. With a simple gesture, I am able to manipulate objects at a distance, showcasing a form of telekinesis.
Prior to this intriguing display of telekinesis, I observed the multifunctionality of this innovative floor, which doubles as an omni-directional treadmill. This cutting-edge technology has the potential to revolutionize the realm of virtual reality by enabling individuals to walk endlessly in any direction while remaining stationary. Could this be the inception of the Star Trek Holodeck?
Witness the Innovation: Exploring Disney’s HoloTile Floor Behind the Scenes at Imagineering
Referred to as the HoloTile floor by Disney’s team, this modular system comprises spinning and tilting floor discs, equipped with lidar cameras and sensors that facilitate seamless movement across its surface. I had the opportunity to interact with the surface using a game controller, attempting to decipher the mechanics behind this illusion and its prospective applications.
On a Tuesday afternoon, I find myself deep within Disney’s Imagineering Campus in Glendale, California, embarking on a tour that prohibits video recordings. Here, I catch a glimpse of the future of theme parks, featuring new audio animatronics that adapt to real-time environments, some of which are untethered.
Disney is dedicated to reshaping entertainment through technological advancements. Notably, Disney Plus emerged as one of the pioneer apps on Apple’s Vision Pro headset, leveraging the collaboration with the tech giant to offer immersive experiences akin to a theme park within the confines of one’s home.
Moreover, Disney’s CEO, Bob Iger, has pledged a staggering $60 billion investment in the company’s physical parks over the next decade. Recent discussions have surfaced regarding expansion plans for the Magic Kingdom in Florida, with Iger teasing a potential “Avatar”-themed land at Disneyland in California during an annual shareholders meeting.
The competitive landscape is heating up as Universal Studios in Florida gears up to unveil Epic Universe, a $1 billion park slated for completion in 2025. Boasting five immersive lands and an onsite hotel, this development poses a formidable challenge to Disney’s dominance in the industry.
Before commencing the tour, Iger emphasized to a select group of reporters the pivotal role of the Imagineering campus and its tech research and development teams, strategically positioned a short drive away from Disneyland, in driving the company’s park expansion objectives.
Unveiling the HoloTile Floor and Beyond
Introduced in January through a video on the Disney Parks YouTube channel, the HoloTile floor garnered overnight fame, sparking exploration into its myriad potential applications. Conceived by the renowned Disney Imagineer Lanny Smoot, this floor system comprises modular, tilting floor discs that can be arranged in any desired pattern and scale.
The demonstration floor featured 19 HoloTile sections, mirroring the layout showcased in Disney’s promotional videos. Each tile consists of multiple round discs with raised outer rims, resembling pieces from a checkers set or miniature wheels.
Encompassing the high-tech tiles are lidar sensors—depth sensors akin to those found in an iPhone Pro—that detect movement in the vicinity. Upon detection, the discs spring into action, rotating, spinning, tilting, and effortlessly gliding objects to their designated locations. It operates akin to a collection of small circular treadmills working in unison to facilitate movement.
Additionally, the system enables remote control and manipulation of objects. Using a game controller, I maneuvered a Luke Skywalker figurine across a sample tile simply by manipulating the directional sticks.
Subsequently, I experimented with a specialized sensor and camera positioned above, elevating the illusion through hand tracking technology. This feature simulated a telekinetic experience, allowing me to control the movement of objects on the HoloTile surface by gesturing with my hand. The rightward movement of my hand corresponded to the rightward shift of a box on the HoloTile, creating a surreal telekinetic effect.
Smoot acknowledges the absence of a defined application for HoloTiles at present. However, akin to many Imagineering projects, its versatility may lead to unexpected and diverse applications. Notably, multiple individuals can navigate the surface simultaneously without collisions, opening avenues for new games or stage performances. Choreographers are currently exploring potential dance routines facilitated by this technology. The capacity to maneuver individuals or objects akin to magic chess pieces could revolutionize attractions and rides.
HoloTiles hold the promise of serving as an omnidirectional treadmill for virtual reality experiences. Smoot, the mastermind behind the patent, traversed the HoloTile surface while donning a Meta Quest headset, immersing himself in a virtual rendition of Disneyland. This application extends beyond theme parks, offering a potential enhancement to VR experiences in various settings. It mirrors the concept of the omnidirectional treadmill depicted in “Ready Player One,” albeit in real-world scenarios.
The timeline for the integration of HoloTiles into Disney’s parks remains undisclosed. It may be years before spectators witness this technology in action. Nonetheless, imminent robotic advancements observed during the tour hint at forthcoming innovations already present in the parks.
Liberating Robotics from Conventional Constraints
Disney is trialing diminutive waddling robots that meander through Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland intermittently. These endearing BD-X droids, powered by Nvidia chipsets showcased by Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang at the recent GTC AI conference, exhibit environmental awareness for navigation and adeptness in traversing complex terrains.
Through a form of artificial intelligence termed reinforced learning, these droids are trained to animate themselves and adapt to diverse surfaces, whether grassy or textured concrete. While these robots are remotely operated by handlers utilizing a Valve Steam Deck camouflaged as a piece of Star Wars equipment, they possess the capability to respond to unforeseen obstacles and slippery terrains.
Most of Disney’s robotic entities operate within controlled environments. Nevertheless, these advancements pave the way for interactive encounters between robots and unpredictable guests, heralding a new era for Disney’s animatronics robots characterized by mobility and fluidity.
Evolution of Audio-Animatronics and Beyond
I had the privilege of witnessing the upcoming audio-animatronic robotic figures from Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, an upcoming attraction that will replace Splash Mountain and draw inspiration from “The Princess and the Frog.” While these characters are still undergoing refinement and are slated for a later release this year, their expressive movements and intricate detailing signify a significant leap from static 2D drawings. This evolution underscores the remarkable progress in animatronic technology since Walt Disney’s era.
Josh Gorin, Executive R&D Imagineer, highlighted the transformative nature of audio-animatronics, emphasizing the shift from stationary installations to dynamic, airborne performances facilitated by emerging technologies. Notably, at Disney California Adventure Park, a Spider-Man robot takes flight daily in a thrilling stunt show, showcasing the potential for robots to engage audiences in novel ways.
Imagineers have explored methods to imbue robots with relatability, such as incorporating rollerblading into their repertoire. Noteworthy was the demonstration featuring Duke Weaselton, a slender weasel robot engaging in a lively routine by maneuvering a cart and subsequently ascending atop it. These instances underscore the evolving capabilities of Disney’s robotic entities, heralding a new era of interactive and engaging performances.
While most of Disney’s robotic entities traditionally operate within controlled settings, the emergence of free-roaming robots signals a paradigm shift in park design. These innovations may redefine the boundaries of traditional theme park experiences, potentially transcending physical confines.
As I depart from the enchanting realm of Disney’s Imagineering Campus and reenter the bustling streets of Los Angeles, I am left pondering the profound implications of these technological marvels. Disney’s Imagineers acknowledge the escalating challenge of captivating audiences amidst a landscape where immersive experiences beyond the park setting continue to evolve.
The relentless pursuit of innovation underscores Disney’s commitment to enhancing the magic within its parks, spurred by the ever-evolving landscape of immersive technologies. While the world outside these enchanted realms teems with chaos and uncertainty, theme parks provide a sanctuary for experimentation and innovation, where the boundaries of imagination are continually pushed.
In this era of free-roaming robots and personalized holodecks, the future holds boundless possibilities for redefining the very essence of entertainment experiences. What lies on the horizon for Disney and its competitors like Universal Studios remains a tantalizing prospect, with the promise of groundbreaking advancements yet to unfold.
CNET’s Scott Stein contributed to this report.
