Disney Brings Fantastic Four Robot to Life with Rolling, Guest-Ready Moves

• Disney has brought the Fantastic Four’s robot H.E.R.B.I.E. from the big screen to Disneyland’s Tomorrowland for a limited time.
• Built by Walt Disney Imagineering, the robot moves, balances, and interacts with guests using precision sensing and real-time control.

Disney has brought the Fantastic Four’s robot sidekick, H.E.R.B.I.E., out of the movies and into real life at Disneyland. For a limited time in Tomorrowland, guests can meet the superhero team and interact with the rolling, talking companion, built by Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development to move, balance, and respond just like in the film.

H.E.R.B.I.E. gets around on an eight-inch sphere that lets him roll in any direction and pivot on the spot. Inside, multiple sensors track his motion, angle, and orientation 250 times a second. That data feeds into rollers that constantly adjust his position, keeping him upright even while waving, dancing, or turning toward guests. The result is smooth, precise movement that works in a busy, unpredictable theme park setting.

H.E.R.B.I.E.’s charm is in the details. He’s got tape reels for eyes, a capstan for a mouth, and a voice, courtesy of Matthew Wood, loaded with new lines and even a birthday song for guests. Custom decals, glossy finishes, smooth animations, and perfectly timed sound effects make him feel straight out of the movie, like you’re meeting the Fantastic Four’s high-tech teammate in person.

🌀 Tom’s Take:

Disney Imagineering has a track record of pushing robotics and immersive tech to make park characters feel real. H.E.R.B.I.E. is the latest example, blending precise motion control and personality-driven design to turn a movie prop into a living part of the Disneyland experience.

Source: Disney Parks Blog