Do you moonlight as a theme park costumed movie character? You could soon be out of a job. Disney has just unveiled a new robot – based on Groot from the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise – that it hopes to integrate into its various theme parks across the globe.

What’s so special about this creation? Well, the Groot robot talks, gestures, and dances and is even capable of showing emotion.

Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California has been conducting play tests of the advanced animatronic character, with select theme park visitors invited to witness a short presentation.

“Ideally, we want guests to get excited, but this is one of the first times I’ve seen guests get visibly excited – adults, kids. I mean it really is kind of shocking what they get to see, and I think they’re understanding how … unique and fun this is and what a game-changer this is,” Executive Creative Director of Disney Live Entertainment, Michael Serna, said.

“They’re seeing this wonderfully lovable character they’ve known for years in the film, but now they get to experience (him) up close, and they’re going to see him do things he’s never done in front of us.”

The Groot robot is amazing but it’s not the first time that Disney has trialled robotic characters. 

In March, the storied company unveiled a roller-skating bunny – the likes of which it hopes will be capable of “emotionally connecting” with theme parks visitors. Watch the grooving Groot robot here.

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Feature image credit: laughingplace.com