Video: Disney's Telepresence Robot Mimics Human Movements

By R. Siva Kumar - 16 May '16 10:47AM

Disney Research, an international network of research labs that has been created to "push the scientific and technological forefront of innovation" at the company, is creating some innovative technology that may someday replace people who role-play Disney characters in theme parks.

It has been made possible with a telepresence robot that can mimic a human in minute detail.

"We present a new type of hydrostatic transmission that uses a hybrid air-water configuration, analogous to N+1 cable-tendon transmissions, using N hydraulic lines and 1 pneumatic line for a system with N degrees of freedom (DOFs)," Disney Research said in a press release.

Telepresence robots are not autonomous but are controlled by nearby humans. Its innovative approach uses a new hybrid air and water hydraulics system that can enable it to mirror the movement of a human operator and also offer near-instantaneous physical feedback that enables meticulous control.

The robot has enhanced response and precision by using half as many cables throughout its body, reducing both its weight and size.

There are stereo cameras in its head, giving real-time feedback to an operator with a head-mounted display. It enables him to control the robot even if he cannot see what it is doing.

"The current hydraulic robot offers incredibly smooth and fast motion while maintaining back-driveability and bidirectional force reflection, allowing safe interaction with people, and the handling of delicate objects," the researchers added.