Disney seeks patent for humanoid robot

The folks at Disney have filed a patent application which could bring “humanoid” robots to their parks.

The patent is for a “soft body robot for physical interaction with humans" that would act like an animated character. The sketches included in the patent resemble that of Baymax from the company’s 2014 film “Big Hero 6.”

The robot described in the patent application has soft, squeezable skin that supports “playful physical interaction,” posable joints, and pressure sensors that “sense contact and provide protection to the child and robot while interacting.” Disney’s droids are meant to be “huggable and interactive,” so that children at the park could play with them in a fun and safe manner, according to the filing.

Disney filed the patent application in February 2016 and it was published by the US Patent and Trademark Office last week.