Disney has been up to a lot lately. From all the Marvel movies, to the excellent new Star Wars movie, it would seem like the entertainment conglomerate is keeping as busy as it can. But they do have a few surprises left up their sleeve, as it would seem. Meet VertiGo, Disney’s new wall crawler.
- The robot manages climbing walls with the aid of two propellers
- One set of wheels is steerable, while the other one is not
- The product is a result of the collaboration of two studios, Disney Research Zurich and ETH
- The central baseplate is made out of carbon fiber, while most of the other parts are 3D printed
- The model can also theoretically work on the ceiling
Although most of us probably didn’t even know that Disney had a research branch, it turns out that not only did they have one, but it was up to some pretty gnarly projects – specifically the VertiGo.
What makes the prototype so special is its ability to climb on walls and to be remote controlled on a wide variety of vertical surfaces.
The VertiGo makes use of its two propellers and of its two wheel sets to change surfaces almost seamlessly, and if we’re to believe Disney’s description of the model it could also be drivable on the ceiling.
You see, the reason for the robot’s ability to navigate vertical surfaces, as well as that to switch plains, lies in its two expertly mounted propellers. That or someone from Disney traded their soul for it, and let’s face it; it isn’t that far of a stretch.
What the two tiltable propellers do is to provide thrust onto the wall and against the ground, thus ensuring that the machine lifts off the ground and transitions to the wall without a hitch.
The two individually movable propellers, along with its two sets of wheels, allow the VertiGo to navigate basically any type of horizontal or vertical terrain, regardless of obstacles.
The machine also features two infrared sensors, allowing it to accurately assess its environment. And although it is currently remote controlled, it’s not too far-fetched to assume that Disney will also work on a way to make it self-navigating, given the recent advances in technology.
Disney didn’t issue any more information except a short video and a short description of how the machine works, so speculators are free to assume whatever they want about the fate of the new prototype.
Whether it will become available for public purchase starting next year, or if it will just be used by Disney in whatever ways they imagined it, will remain to be seen.
Image source: Pixabay
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