Disney Parks continues to innovate. “We have worked with our wonderful partners at Hitachi to use computer vision and AI to develop predictive technology that works with high-tech sensors to help keep our rides running with minimal disruptions,” said Tilak Mandadi, executive vice president, Digital and chief technology officer for Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, at IAAPA Expo | Virtual Education Conference in November. The “Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance” ride alone has 15,000 sensors.
“With this technology, we can optimize the ride’s performance so that thousands more guests can experience the attraction. That gives us a real leg up, especially in the capacity-constrained environment of COVID,” said Mandadi.
Mandadi presented a vision of a Disney theme park metaverse filled with converged experiences that combine digital and physical elements. These experiences might use AI, natural language understanding, computer vision, and augmented reality technologies.
Disney Parks is already exploring the use of AI-driven virtual characters that could have personalized interactions with guests. “We are well on the way to personalized and social storytelling,” said Mandadi.
