Disney’s research arm has developed a human-controlled robot capable of replicating precise actions, meaning the operator can bring its characters to life in ways never seen before.

Dubbed “Jimmy”, the Hybrid Hydrostatic Transmission and Human Safe Haptic Telepresence Robot offers bidirectional operation of every joint, meaning ultra-precise actions replicated through an air and water hydraulics system are possible when operated by a human.

For these operators, mounted stereo cameras stream live video visually immersing them in the robot’s physical workspace. To allow precise touch, hydrostatic transmission presents a counterforce the operator can feel between Jimmy and his external environment. The robot is so precise, the operator can put a thread through the eye of a needle.

“The current hydraulic robot offers incredibly smooth and fast motion, while maintaining backdrivability and bidirectional force reflection, allowing safe interaction with people, and the handling of delicate objects,” said a paper on the report.

“The new rolling-diaphragm actuators and N+1 configuration have enabled the creation of a high-performance humanoid robot, capable of direct mechanical teleoperation, providing visual, kinesthetic, and haptic immersion for the operator.”

The potential of Jimmy for Disney at its parks is huge. Though telepresence robots have existed for sometime – theme parks notably using them to allow characters to naturally interact with people – this technological leap by Disney Research means that the technology can be taken much farther than simple actions as with previous iterations.