Walt Disney Imagineering unveils autonomous ‘Robotic Olaf’ for Disney Adventure World

It sounds almost too good to be true, but Disney really showed it off today: a robot Olaf that walks around freely, talks to you, and looks like real snow. And the best news? He's coming to the new Frozen area in Paris!

Today, the bosses of Disneyland Paris and Disney Imagineering (the inventors of the parks) gave a special glimpse behind the scenes. They unveiled their latest invention to the world for the first time. Forget the dolls that are fixed to the ground: this is the future.

As if he had stepped out of the film

What makes this Olaf so special is that he is completely wandering around. There are no wires attached to it and it is not standing on a trolley. It wobbles, wiggles and stumbles just like the clumsy snowman from the films.

The creators have done everything possible to make it as realistic as possible:

• His skin is made of a special material that catches the light, just like fresh snow does.
• His eyes move, his mouth talks, and he can even respond to people.
• Just like in the film, his carrot nose and arms can fall off.

How does it work?

Normally, robots in amusement parks are programmed: they perform the same trick every time. This Olaf is different. He is ‘smart’.

Disney actually taught him to “walk” like a child does: through trial and error. As a result, his movements do not feel wooden or mechanical, but rather very natural and funny. He can maintain his balance while walking through the park.

Where can you meet him?

This is, of course, what we all want to know: when can we give him a warm hug give?

Disneyland Paris has confirmed that this Olaf will be the star of the new “Arendelle Bay Show”. This show will be on display in World of Frozen, the brand new themed area currently under construction at Walt Disney Studios Park (soon to be Disney Adventure World will be called).