VIDEO: Disney Uses Kinect to Create Interactive Juggling Robot
Disney Research Pittsburgh has just released the video below which demonstrates one of its latest projects: an audio animatronic robot that can interact with people by playing catch with them. The system uses an off-the-shelf Microsoft Kinect (according to the video’s narration) along with an external camera system (ASUS Xtion PRO LIVE) to locate balls and a Kalman ?lter to predict ball destination and timing. So not only is the robot able to track a human’s position and size by the location of their head, but it can attempt to move its hand to catch the ball. If the robot misses the catch, it’s fully aware and even responds with one of several different humorous animations to elicit a response from the person interacting with it.
Disney Research has also been able to use its system to successfully juggle up to three balls at a time when a professional juggler is used as the participant.
According to the video and its description, Disney Research is hopeful that this product leads to a fully interactive experience between guests and audio animatronics in environments such as theme parks, while managing to keep the guest a safe distance from the robots.
Categories: Business Tags: Animatronics, Audio Animatronics, Kinect, Robotics, Robots, Technology, Theme Parks
‘Kinect Rush: Disney/Pixar Adventure’ New Stills, Gameplay Video and Party Opportunity
Microsoft has recently released new stills and a gameplay video for its upcoming Xbox Kinect title, ‘Kinect Rush: A Disney Pixar Adventure.’ Using KinectScan technology, players can scan themselves into the game and create a unique, custom avatar to enjoy the game.
Based on several popular Disney/Pixar films (Up, Toy Story, The Incredible, Cars and Ratatouille), ‘Kinect Rush: A Disney Pixar Adventure‘ allows gamers to use both their bodies and their voice to solve play games and solve puzzles. A unique co-op play option will allow gamers to play with friends or to team up directly with one of the Disney/Pixar characters.
Below is a new video featuring gameplay footage. It bears repeating that the primary character in the game is an actual avatar representing the player themselves while the characters from the film are providing support in the form of co-op play. The video also demonstrates quite well how the game sweeps the player into the classic films.
Microsoft has also released several new stills from the game along with a photographic demonstration of the KinectScan process (and results), which we have added to the beginning of our gallery below:
House Party is also offering an exciting opportunity for Xbox 360/Kinect owners to host a ‘Kinect Rush: A Disney Pixar Adventure’ party. Applicants chosen to host a party will receive a party pack consisting of a copy of the game, Disney/Pixar postcards, a poster advertising the game and ‘VIP passes’ featuring a branded lanyard. For more information and to apply to host a party, see here.
Developed by Asobo Studio and released by Microsoft, ‘Kinect Rush: A Disney Pixar Adventure‘ is rated E for everyone for cartoon violence. It will be available to own on March 20, 2012.
Categories: Video Games Tags: Kinect, Kinect Rush, XBox 360
First Look: ‘Disneyland Adventures’ for Microsoft Xbox 360 Kinect (Screenshots)
Experience a place where two magical worlds unite: Kinect for Xbox 360 invites you to take a journey where stories come to life and dreams come true, right in your living room! Explore Disneyland® park — from Main Street U.S.A. to Critter Country — join Peter Pan to battle Captain Hook, high-five Mickey Mouse or hug Snow White.
Harnessing the controller-free magic of Kinect for Xbox 360, “Kinect: Disneyland Adventures” allows children, families and Disney fans of all ages to explore Disneyland park, step into adventures based on attractions, engage in challenging quests and interact with beloved Disney characters using their full bodies and voices,* no controller required. “Kinect: Disneyland Adventures” is your portal to a magical world of Disneyland park adventures through Kinect.
Details, Details, Details
- Create memories. Whether it’s your first time or hundredth time exploring Disneyland park, relive your fondest memories or embark on a new adventure.
- Discover Disneyland park. Whether you want to go on an adventure in your favorite attraction or explore the entire park, “Kinect: Disneyland Adventures” allows you to play at your own pace and customize your own Disneyland park experiences right from your living room, whenever you want.
- Explore attractions. Experience your favorite Disneyland park attractions as immersive adventures — explore Neverland at Peter Pan’s side and take up your sword to fight Captain Hook; battle your way to the island in Pirates of the Caribbean; or partner with a friend to enjoy the fascinating world of Alice in Wonderland.
- Meet the characters. Share magical moments with your favorite Disney characters — hug a princess, high-five Mickey Mouse, collect autographs and accept quests.
- Collect and unlock. Collect Disney-themed items, rewards and Xbox 360 Achievements as you make your way through the park to discover new game experiences, including themed parades and firework displays.
- Cooperative play. Partner with a friend or family member to explore Disneyland park; have him or her jump in to lend a hand on difficult challenges and help you earn rewards. Designed to adjust difficulty based on skill, “Kinect: Disneyland Adventures” ensures that everyone is having fun and playing together.
Below is a gallery of screenshots as well as gameplay provided to us by Microsoft. Click on any of the thumbnails to expand its size
Categories: Video Games Tags: KDA, Kinect, Kinect Disneyland Adventures, Microsoft XBox
Video: ‘Kinect Disneyland Adventures’ Brings Theme Park Home to Microsoft Xbox
Ahead of its expected announcement at E3 in Los Angeles, video footage demonstrating a new game being developed for the Microsoft Xbox 360 Kinect has emerged with USA Today providing additional details.
(‘Kinect Disneyland Adventures’ footage begins around the 2:22 mark)
According to the USA Today article, the game will offer players the opportunity to virtually explore the iconic theme park which includes opportunities to meet and greet and take virtual photos with characters as well as experience attractions such as Peter Plan’s Flight, which is expected to be demo’d at the expo.
No further information has yet been released, but it’s expected that just like it’s real world counterpart in Anaheim, it won’t offer FASTPASS, so gamers would be well advised to play it as soon as they wake up, or face long load times from mid-morning on.
Thanks to @StrikerObi for the heads up
Categories: Video Games Tags: Kinect, Kinect Disneyland Adventures, Microsoft XBox

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