Walt Disney Imagineering is working on a manta ray inspired by Gramma Tala from Moana and a floating food truck droid based on The Mandalorian and Grogu, both of which could eventually appear in a Disney park.

Aquatic Robots

Bloomberg shared in a report that Walt Disney Imagineering is developing aquatic robots, such as a six-foot manta ray, which could be used in a lagoon, along with a fleet of dolphin-like robots.

Imagineering first shared a look at their aquatic robots last year. One of the small prototypes was inspired by the Ilu a.k.a. jiaolong or sirens, plesiosaur-like creatures featured in Avatar: The Way of Water, and also appear in the Disney’s Animal Kingdom ride Flight of Passage. We posited that the robots could be used in the new Avatar land coming to Disney California Adventure.

They also shared a ray-like robot, but this is the first confirmation that it could be used to replicate Gramma Tala’s spirit form. The aquatic robot uses hydrofoil technology to propel itself through the water.

Bloomberg also noted it could be potentially repurposed for other franchises, including Star Wars.

The report comes alongside the debut of an advanced Audio-Animatronic with a transforming projected face on Pirates of the Caribbean at Disneyland. Recent free-roaming robots at Disney Parks include the BDX droids, Olaf at World of Frozen, and H.E.R.B.I.E. from The Fantastic Four.

Imagineering is also developing technology for its upcoming Abu Dhabi theme park, said to be its most technologically advanced.

“We’re working backwards through our other experiences to test and learn so that we can deliver on that promise and that all of our parks will benefit from the innovations between now and then,” said Kyle Laughlin, senior vice president for technology and R&D at Walt Disney Imagineering. “I think in the time frame in which we’ve talked about Abu Dhabi, you will see more free roaming robots, integrated XR experiences and all kinds of new ways to engage people as both devices and expectations change.”

Bloomberg saw a video of mechanical dolphins swimming together in a lagoon, using jet pump propulsion and biomimetic articulation to balance themselves and GPS tech for navigation. They’re designed to interact with each other to tell a story.

“Now we have to cover all types of form factors from bipedal robots, to quadrupeds, to things that fly and that you’ll see in the water,” Laughlin said. “All of that is necessary because when we can’t have a costumed character, we need to figure out other ways to bring those things to life.”

“The goal is not to do innovation or technology for technology’s sake, but always in service of the story,” he added.

Regarding bodies of water at Disney Parks, Laughlin said they’re often lit up at night for shows but unused during the day.

“We look at this as a canvas where we could really bring new entertainment to life in a way that could be super powerful for our guests,” he said. He said both Moana and Avatar inspire this possible entertainment. “It’s this great mix of water IP and underutilized spaces, so we are exploring what autonomous aquatic performers can do.”

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Hovering Droids

Going back to Star Wars, Bloomberg said Disney is also exploring the concept of a food cart with a hovering droid, which could appear in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. They saw a demo of this floating droid, featuring a food truck inspired by one in The Mandalorian and Grogu. The droid would react in different ways and “put on a show” depending on what guests ordered.

“I think that what we’re going to learn is how to show and sell products, and if it works, we’ll continue to look at new ways,” said Laughlin. “It doesn’t even have to be a drink. You could have a little Elsa doll or something like that.”

The team collaborated with director Jon Favreau to create the cart, which they plan to showcase at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in August and potentially debut at Disneyland by the end of the year.

“We can be on the bleeding edge from a robotics perspective, but we can also look for novel ways to use old technologies too, like marionettes and puppets in brand new ways as well,” said Laughlin. “The goal is to be comprehensive in terms of both the franchises and the types of formats that we work with.”

What do you think of these innovations? Let us know on social media!

For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.