Earlier today, Disney Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro took to the stage at the SXSW conference for the first time ever to showcase the next-gen technology that Disney is pursuing to bring character interactions to life in their theme parks. Here’s the video, followed by the announcement from Disney:

Today at South by Southwest, (SXSW) a conference and series of festivals celebrating the convergence of tech, film, music, education, and culture in Austin, Texas, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro shared how we use storytelling and technology to create happiness for our guests.

Josh talked about how Disney Parks tells stories through tools, immersive environments, sensory-provoking food and music, visual effects, and interactions with Disney characters.

Josh invited several Disney Imagineers onstage with him to showcase the innovation that goes into Disney storytelling. One highlight was a brand-new prototype robot we showcased publicly for the first time. This robot pushes the boundaries of what characters can do in Disney experiences and marks the next step forward for Imagineer’s robotic advancements. It can make dynamic maneuvers, including falling down and getting back up, as well as a somersault!

Imagineers also shared a behind-the-scenes look at another blue-sky concept that lets fans have a real-time conversation with pixie-sized Tinker Bell. Using special technology, Tinker Bell can interact with you like never before. This is the latest innovation that brings Disney characters, both big and small, to life in new ways.

The Hulk also greeted the SXSW audience during the presentation. Debuting for the first time last year at D23 Expo before heading to Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure Park, this unique exoskeleton allows performers to bring super-sized characters to life.

As Josh shared in the presentation, delivering more hope, inspiration and happiness is at the center of Disney’s next 100 years. Walt Disney Imagineering continues to do this through constant innovation and pushing boundaries.

As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!