Disney Imagineering’s legacy of invention and technology is one of the closest we have to a science fiction future.There are two more Disneyland” The latest incredible project comes from Disney legend Lanny Smoot, who has been awarded more than 100 patents for inventions, 74 of which were attributed to Disney Imagineering, including Madame Leota’s floating head.
You’ll become familiar with his work on the incredible lightsaber, which he made as realistic as possible with retractable “laser” action.Now he’s made a very real one Inspired by HoloDeck Invention, a game changer in the world of VR. “We call it HoloTile flooring,” Smoot shared in the video released. Disneyland Celebrating his induction into the National Inventors Hall of Fame; he was the second Disney inventor to become a member. The first was Walt Disney himself, for his work with multi-plane cameras.
Smoot’s legacy includes many feats of fantasy engineering; as mentioned above, he was the brains behind Star Wars Rey wields a lightsaber in a promotional video filmed around Galaxy’s Edge, introducing the technology seen up close Star Wars’ Now closed galactic star cruiser. In the video interview, he did say it was designed for the park, so hopefully we’ll see it appear at special events or as part of a future show on Batuu. But the star of the film is undoubtedly the HoloTile floor itself.
Smoot describes it as an “omnidirectional floor” where you can walk in any direction you want. “It automatically does whatever it takes to keep me on the field,” he explains. “It’s amazing how multiple people can walk at the same time, and all of them can walk independently. They can walk in virtual reality and a lot of other things.” .” Take a look at the image below and you can see the rotating tiles, which simulate the act of walking through space without leaving the tile pad. It’s crazy to see how a place like Disneyland can be experienced in VR on HoloTile.
He continued, “Imagine a lot of people in a room, being able to collaboratively go to other places and move around… sightseeing. Imagine a theater stage might have these embedded in it so that dancers can do amazing moves.” There are many applications for this type of technology.” He added that they don’t yet know where the company will use it, but we’re excited to find out.Based on some of the demos seen in the film, we’re wondering if it would work with his lightsaber Star Wars Stage Show – We definitely think the interviewer was practicing pushing Smoot hard on the chair above the HoloTiles near the end. The Imagineer looks happy and clearly loves his job. “It gives me a great opportunity to use these inventions that I make for people’s enjoyment,” Smoot admits.
Watch the video interview and tech demo below!
Hopefully we’ll see HoloTile in action at Disney Parks soon.
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