For over 70 years, Disney's Imagineers have been making the impossible possible - bringing beloved characters and stories from the screen into immersive real-world experiences using innovative technology. At this year's Robotics Summit & Expo in Boston, attendees will get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how Disney is pushing the boundaries of robotics.

On May 2nd, Disney researchers Moritz Baecher, Morgan Pope, and Tony Dohi will take the main stage to showcase the company's latest robotic marvels and explain how they are bringing iconic Disney characters into the physical realm in more dynamic ways than ever before.

Baecher leads Disney's strategic robotics program focused on designing and controlling lifelike robotic characters through techniques like differentiable simulation and reinforcement learning. His team is cracking the code on replicating the nuanced movements and expressions that make animated characters so endearing.

Pope specializes in pushing the limits of robotic performance and agility for entertainment. He was the lead developer behind Disney's "Stuntronics" project, which enables robotic figures to perform sophisticated gymnastic feats like flips and twists autonomously with precision.

Dohi spearheaded bringing that Stuntronics technology from concept to reality. The former Imagineer will reveal how Disney combined advanced robotic hardware with onboard sensors and processors to create untethered stunt performers capable of reliably executing aerobatic stunts in live shows.

From Baecher's work in robotic character design to the Stuntronics system bringing high-flying characters to life, Disney's robotics showcase will provide an unprecedented look at the technical capabilities required to deliver truly immersive theme park experiences.

"For decades, Disney's robots have allowed our parks to transport guests into fantastical worlds," said Baecher. "At this event, we'll reveal how the latest innovations in robotics are allowing us to create richer, more dynamic experiences that blur the line between animation and reality."

The Disney keynote is just one highlight of the massive Robotics Summit, which will feature over 200 exhibitors, networking events, a career fair, and the inaugural RBR50 Robotics Innovation Awards Gala. It's shaping up to be the largest robotics event ever on the East Coast.

As robots play an increasingly prominent role in entertainment and themed experiences, Disney's showcase offers a tantalizing glimpse of how these technologies may evolve in the years ahead. If the past is any indication, the robots Disney's Imagineers dream up today will eventually become visitors' wildest realities.