🔦 Spotlight
Image Source: Disney World
Disney's $60 billion expansion of the parks and experiences business is being propelled by tech innovation at the Disney Imagineering unit, including the HoloTile Floor and the BDX droids from Star Wars. The HoloTile Floor, developed by Disney research fellow Lanny Smoot, enables users to move in any direction on a small patch of flooring using LiDAR technology. This tool serves as a design aid for Imagineers, allowing them to quickly visualize and navigate through models of new attractions or parks. Additionally, due to its ability to accommodate multiple movements simultaneously without collisions, Disney is exploring its use as a dance floor or stage platform.
The BDX droids, currently being play-tested at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge in Disneyland Park, are interactive characters designed to engage with guests. Powered by batteries and guided by a human controller, these droids enhance the immersive experience in the park. Utilizing procedural or cinematic animation, Imagineers train the robots to imitate artist-provided motions within a short timeframe, making them adaptable to different scenarios and guest interactions.
These technologies highlight Disney's commitment to innovation in entertainment and immersive experiences. The HoloTile Floor facilitates rapid prototyping and visualization of new attractions, while the BDX droids enhance the interactive elements of theme park experiences. Both demonstrate Disney's ability to merge cutting-edge technology with creative storytelling to create unforgettable experiences for guests.
For the LA tech scene, these innovations underscore the region's leadership in entertainment technology. Los Angeles has long been a hub for the entertainment industry, and Disney Imagineering's groundbreaking work further solidifies the city's reputation for innovation in immersive experiences. As Disney continues to invest in and develop these technologies, it contributes to the growth and advancement of the LA tech ecosystem, attracting talent and fostering collaboration between entertainment and technology sectors. Moreover, these innovations set a precedent for other companies in the region, inspiring them to push the boundaries of technology and creativity to create unique and engaging experiences for audiences worldwide.
🤝 Venture Deals
LA Companies
- AccessHope, a startup changing the way leading-edge cancer expertise is delivered, raised a $33M Series B from City of Hope - learn more
- Bump, a financial management platform for creators, raised a $3M Seed Round from ImpactX, Capitalize, and Serac Ventures - learn more
- Handl Health, a provider of health care price transparency tools, raised a $2.4M Seed Round co-led by Mucker Capital and Everywhere VC - learn more
- General Galactic, a startup that makes methane from captured CO2, raised a $1.9M Pre-Seed Round from Box Group and Refactor - learn more
LA Venture Funds
- Grey Space Group participated in a $20M Series A extension for Wilde Brands, a maker of healthy snack chips - learn more
- Clocktower Ventures participated in a $1.7M Pre-Seed Round for Continuum, a b2b reverse logistics startup - learn more
- Overture participated in a $10.8M Seed Round for Halcyon, an AI-assisted search and information platform to help professionals navigate the energy transition - learn more
- Impatient Ventures participated in a $6.5M Seed Round for Anon, an automated authentication layer - learn more
📖 What We’re Reading
- Kiki World Inc., an LA-based community commerce platform leveraging blockchain technology, announces new tools and applications for peer-to-peer communication, engagement campaigns, and community management - learn more
- USC partners with Capital One to launch the USC-Capital One Center for Responsible AI and Decision Making in Finance - learn more
- Immersive entertainment firm Cosm is opening a “Shared Reality” venue at LA’s Hollywood Park on June 29th - learn more
