Disney unveils HoloTile: a sliding floor for enhanced VR experiences
Summary
Smoot envisions varied use cases, ranging from collaborative virtual sightseeing to theatrical stages where dancers could perform extraordinary moves. The scope of this technology hints at a future where physical and virtual realities blend seamlessly, offering experiences previously confined to the imagination. Smoot has been a longtime member of Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development and is being inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame. His career spans roles as a theatrical technology creator, inventor, electrical engineer, scientist, and researcher, culminating in over 100 patents. Among his many accomplishments, Smoot is credited with giving Madame Leota her ability to “float” in the Séance Room at the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland Park; crafting the state-of-the-art extendable lightsaber used by Disney Live Entertainment; inventing the Magic Playfloor interactive game experience on the Disney Cruise Line; producing the immersive Fortress Explorations adventure at Tokyo DisneySea; and designing the virtual and interactive koi ponds at the Crystal Lotus Restaurant at Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel.