Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and his sidekick Beaker greet attendees.
Walt Disney Imagineering this week debuted its latest, cutting-edge creation: free-roaming, interacting audio-animatronic Muppets capable of “seeing” and “talking” to tourists — and without a human puppeteer in sight.
Disney’s most advanced robotic creation to date makes the costumed, mute Winnie the Poohs and Donald Ducks seem like felt-covered relics, though Disney executives are quick to reassure that the beloved, autograph-signing cast isn’t going anywhere.
“This is an incredibly compelling and powerful way to experience the characters,” said Bruce Vaughn, vice president of Walt Disney Imagineering’s research and development division.
“They are fully aware of the people in their presence and can call you by name. It is a 100% live experience.”
In their first appearances at Disney’s California Adventure this week, bumbling scientist Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and his meep-meeping sidekick Beaker joked and chatted with guests. The Muppets could see the color of the clothes the kids wore and the lollipops they licked — casting a slight Big Brother vibe over the proceedings.
Cited article: Los Angeles Times
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