Robocops in Development for Theme Parks, Will Disney World Use Them?

It appears that Robocops are no longer just the subject of science fiction. A company called Robotic Assistance Devices (RAD) has developed the ROAMEO 2.0. ROAMEO is an acronym for Rugged Observation Assistance Mobile Electronic Officer.

This is what it looks like:

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According to the Orlando Sentinel, “ROAMEO is fully autonomous and designed to work as a security and concierge service all in one. It includes cameras, a touch screen, speakers, a communication system, and a call button.” They stand 6.5 feet tall, weigh 750 pounds and maneuver on four wheels.

RAD’s CEO Steve Reinharz explained that these units are meant to supplement human forces rather than replace them.

“We don’t have some kind of mission of replacing security guards,” he said. “… [I hope] the existing security guards who then have to use technology, their jobs, and their careers get uplifted by that.”

But Reinharz sees a potential in his robots that goes beyond security detail. Apparently, “ROAMEO can also act as a tour guide, giving directions and displaying information on ride wait times.”

“In the theme park environment, they’re going to look great,” he said. “We’re going to put smiles on people’s faces.”

The theme park company Six Flags has jumped in on this idea, placing one unit at Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington and another at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California.

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Reinharz plans to have over 100 ROAMEOs deployed this year alone, and he is confident that one of his robots will be in an Orlando area theme park. But which Theme Park company is going to go first? The Orlando Sentinel reports that Universal, SeaWorld, and Legoland all did not respond when asked about this development. Meanwhile, Disney’s spokeswoman Jacquee Wahler spoke outright to say that Disney is not in contact with RAD.

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But what do you think about this “RoboCop” invention? Do you think it has potential? Should Disney think about incorporating these into their parks? Let us know!