Disney unveils next-generation robot Olaf

Disney has unveiled a next-generation robotic character based on Olaf, a character from the animated film '

Robot Olaf is a robot designed to look just like Olaf from the film, in every way, from his movements to his appearance.

Disney already had robotic expertise in the world of Star Wars characters, known as BDX droids, at Disney Parks. However, expressing Olaf, who has a softer, more expressive personality than the angular BDX droids, was a much bigger challenge.

To make Olaf as lifelike as possible, the development team employed an artificial intelligence technique called reinforcement learning, which allows for a rich range of expressions. Olaf moves differently from the rigid shell of other robotic characters, with fully movable mouth, eyes, carrot nose, and arms. Most importantly, he can converse with others.

Robot Olaf will be making his debut at the Arendelle Bay Show in Frozen World, a new attraction coming soon to Disneyland Paris's Disney Adventure World, and during a limited-time special appearance at Frozen World at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort.

Walt Disney Imagineering, the developer of Robot Olaf, said, 'Our roots are in animation. Walt Disney pioneered hand-drawn films, and today Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios carry on that tradition. With Robot Olaf, we worked closely with the animators to ensure every gesture reflected the essence of the character. Our focus was not simply to reproduce the animation, but to faithfully capture the creators' intent.'