Stuntronics

A black humanoid in an active position as if catching itself while falling. It's arms are thrown out to the side, one leg is bent up and the other foot has only the heel on the ground. — Stuntronics can perform a variety of acrobatic tricks. Photo: Walt Disney Imagineering

Stuntronics are animatronic stunt doubles. They combine advanced robotic technology with the exploration of untethered dynamic movement to perform aerial flips, twists, and poses with repeatability and precision.

Creator

Walt Disney Imagineering

Year

2018

Country

United States 🇺🇸

Categories

Features

Did you know?

The team working on Stuntronics quickly developed an emotional connection to the robots stemming from the perceived peril they were being subjected to even though they don't have the fragility or feelings of human performers.

A man in a yellow hardhat and headset prepares a grey humanoid, which is bent over with its hands raised over its head. — Getting ready to fly! Photo: Walt Disney Imagineering

A group of people gather around a humanoid robot that is on it's stomach with its torso and head being lifted by a tether attached to its arms. — The Stuntronics team admires their robot. Photo: Walt Disney Imagineering

Specs

Overview: On-board sensors include inertial measurement units (IMU) to keep track of flips and to tuck at the right moment before landing. The robot can withstand the high accelerations and decelerations associated with jumping and flying through the air, and is able to perform multiple acrobatic sequences.
Status: Ongoing
Year: 2018
Website: sites.disney.com/waltdisneyimagineering
Width: 45 cm
Height: 175 cm
Weight: 40 kg
Sensors: Inertial measurement unit (IMU) and internal joint sensors
Actuators: Electric DC motors
Degrees of Freedom (DoF): 10
Materials: Aluminum, various 3D printed plastics
Compute: Custom computing boards
Software: Custom control software
Power: Various on-board systems. (Power requirements are constantly being re-evaluated based on creative goals.)