Disney Shares Behind the Scenes Look at H.E.R.B.I.E. Who is Meeting with Guests at Disneyland

H.E.R.B.I.E. is meeting with guests in Tomorrowland at the Disneyland Resort, along with other members of the first family of Super Heroes. Guests have been delighted with their interactions with this robot and the Fantastic Four. Today, Walt Disney Imagineering shared a look behind the scenes at how H.E.R.B.I.E. was brought to life to meet with guests in the parks.

H.E.R.B.I.E. is short for Humanoid Experimental Robot, B-type, Integrated Electronics. In the world of the Fantastic Four, he was created by Mister Fantastic himself. He is designed to assist the team with everything from scientific analysis to domestic household chores. No surprise, he quickly became a fan favorite, and the Imagineers wanted to ensure he was available to greet guests at Disneyland.

Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development created H.E.R.B.I.E. Here is a look at this adorable robot interacting with guests in Tomorrowland:

The Disney Parks Blog shared about how this robot came to life for guests to meet in Tomorrowland. Check out what was shared on the Disney Parks Blog about H.E.R.B.I.E.:

A Feat of Engineering

While studios work to bring viewers’ favorite characters to life on the big screen, Walt Disney Imagineering makes these characters tangible for guests and brings them to life in our parks.  

When you meet H.E.R.B.I.E., his most noticeable feature is that he moves and balances on an eight-inch sphere. H.E.R.B.I.E. glides effortlessly due to his spherical base, which allows him to pivot, constantly adjust his angle and roll in any direction with outstanding precision.  

To keep H.E.R.B.I.E. balanced – even while waving, dancing, and interacting – multiple internal sensors measure his precise motion, angle, and orientation 250 times per second, providing constant feedback to a series of rollers that constantly adjust his position to keep him upright. This gives H.E.R.B.I.E. his dynamic, lifelike motion that feels straight out of the film.

Full of Personality

H.E.R.B.I.E.’s personality shines through his expressive and iconic face, comprised of tape reels for his eyes and capstans for his mouth. H.E.R.B.I.E.’s voice actor Matthew Wood even worked with Imagineers to record new phrases and conversation starters (including singing Happy Birthday!), to help H.E.R.B.I.E. prepare for his time in Tomorrowland, and all the guests he’ll meet during his visit.

Look closely and you’ll also spot custom decals and stickers on his body, replicating details straight from the film. That’s apparent when it comes to the attention to detail in our characters. H.E.R.B.I.E.’s surface finishes, custom animations and dedicated sounds are unmatched.

H.E.R.B.I.E. and the rest of the Fantastic Four will be meeting with guests in Tomorrowland for a limited time. This is a perfect place for them to meet after Tomorrowland helped inspire the aesthetic of The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Earlier this year at SXSW in Austin, Kevin Feige, president of Marvel Studios, discussed his love for the “mid-century, retro-futuristic” design of Tomorrowland, even sharing that it served as inspiration for the world and artistic style in the film.

There are other offerings currently available that celebrate The Fantastic Four: First Steps. They can all be found here. What do you think about H.E.R.B.I.E.? Have you been able to meet him yet? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!