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Flying Robots!? New Patent Suggests They Could be Coming to Disney Parks

Flying robot at Disney
Credit: Disney/ The Rocketeer

Flying robots. Yes, you read that right. Disney has recently filed a patent for flying robots. Our minds immediately began running through all of our ideas for what such an invention could be used for…the possibilities are endless. From “streetmosphere,” to stage shows, and even security… flying robots certainly hold an appeal. 

The patent form itself stated it would be used for  “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.” Coupled with the fact that the patent also said that images of superheroes, movie characters or more could be projected onto the robot while in flight, we are thinking this new tech will likely be used in Disneyland’s Avengers Campus. EPCOT’s brand new nighttime show could be a possibility as well, though typically patents are an early stage development and we would imagine the brand new firework show coming to EPCOT this year would be further along in development than that. 

So how exactly does a robot fly?  The patent describes the invention as an “untethered robot with hybrid air and water power for hovering and quick airborne movements,” which means that, like Pinocchio there would be no strings to hold it down (or up) and instead would  be controlled with a combination of thrust propulsion via air or water jets. It’s an intriguing idea, and one Disney could definitely pull off.

Flying robot

Credit: Wired

They’re already using robots as stunt actors in some of the parks and have recently filed a patent for something called the “Robotic Sherpa” which would essentially be a robot locker/ storage device that would follow guests around. 

Flying robot at disney

Credit: Jill Bivins

Disney isn’t the first theme park to utilize robots either. Universal Orlando Resort has been using them for years at Aventura Hotel. Relay the Room Service Robot delivers almost anything you could possibly want right to your hotel room, from a late night snack, to extra towels, this robot does it all! 

This  patent provides an exciting look into the future. We can’t wait to see what Disney comes up with for the new invention. Do you have any ideas? Head over to our Facebook page and share them with us! 

About Jill Bivins

Jill Bivins has been visiting Disney Parks since she was 2 years old and loves sharing her Disney adventures with the world. She likes to say Disney is in her blood and writing is in her bones — so any time she has the opportunity to combine these loves she is one happy camper! She has a deep abiding love for Epcot and as a die hard Star Wars fan has a serious love for Hollywood Studios as well. When she isn't exploring or writing about Disney Parks, Jill is homeschooling her 8 year old son, playing with her brand new baby son, or pretending to be a farmer on her family homestead (despite being unable to keep even a cactus alive). Find Jill on Instagram @minnieonmain.