Apart from the popular Disney characters like Mickey, Donald and Goofy, Disney theme parks will soon introduce humanoid robots to entertain visitors. The company has  filed a patent application for soft body robot that can safely interact with young people. The robot is designed to be huggable and interactive. The prototypes of the robot have already been tested by the Disney engineers.

Based on the Big Hero 6 character Baymax, the Disney researchers have developed a small test robot with a soft and durable outer shell. Its upper body is filled with fluid and it can be programmed by a controller. There is a pressure sensor to which each part of the test robot is connected so that it enables safe interaction with young children.

With the inroduction of humanoid robots, the days of actual humans interacting with young people at Disneyland theme parks could be numbered. A patent application doesn't necessarily mean such a product would ever see the light of day. The patent document concedes that it is difficult to provide  wholly safe interactions between humans and robots simply by operating these humanoid and other robots with controlled movements.

Researchers have explained in the patent document that robots are being used to provide interactive guidance or entertainment in stores  and amusement parks as well as in homes, schools, hospitals, and the workplace where they teach, provide therapy, and lend an extra set of hands.