Universal may already be thinking about the next generation of theme park technology.
Two newly published patent applications from Universal reveal concepts involving animated figures interacting directly with ride vehicles and a drone-based system designed to monitor attractions for potential ride interference issues.
As always, patents do not guarantee these technologies will ever appear inside Universal parks, but they do offer an interesting look at what Universal Creative engineers are actively developing behind the scenes.
Patent #1: Animated Figures That Cling to Ride Vehicles
One of the newly published patents is titled “System and Method for an On-Board Animated Figure in a Ride Environment.”
The patent describes an animated figure designed to physically move along the surface of a ride vehicle or show element while maintaining multiple points of contact. According to the filing abstract, the figure would use at least three contact points that alternately engage and disengage with the ride vehicle surface while moving.
The diagrams included in the patent application show a frog-like creature appearing to cling to the front of a ride vehicle while guests are seated behind it.
Universal’s filing explains that the system would include:
- Multiple contact points
- A fixation system to maintain attachment
- Controller systems to coordinate movement
- Animated figures capable of moving across ride surfaces
Based on the diagrams, the technology appears designed to create the illusion that animated creatures are actively crawling, climbing, or moving alongside guests during an attraction experience.
And honestly? This feels like something that could fit perfectly inside a dark ride at Epic Universe.
Patent #2: Drones Designed to Detect Ride Interference
The second newly published patent is titled “System and Method for Amusement Attraction Interference Detection.”
This patent focuses on safety and operational technology involving drones used around attraction systems. According to the filing, the system would utilize one or more drones equipped with sensors, processors, and memory systems capable of monitoring ride paths and detecting potential overlap or interference between ride vehicles and surrounding attraction components.
The patent describes drones traveling relative to ride paths while collecting environmental data and detecting possible “reach envelope” overlaps involving:
- Ride vehicles
- Attraction scenery
- Show elements
- Other ride system components
If interference is detected, the system could generate notifications alerting operators to potential issues.
The diagrams included in the filing appear to show drones monitoring moving attraction vehicles throughout a ride layout.
What Could These Patents Be Used For?
Right now, Universal has not officially connected either patent to a specific attraction or land.
However, the animated figure patent especially feels like it could lend itself well to creature-heavy environments, interactive dark rides, or attractions where characters physically interact with vehicles in real time.
Meanwhile, the drone interference detection patent appears much more operationally focused, potentially helping Universal monitor increasingly complex attraction systems with moving ride vehicles, dynamic effects, and tighter show spaces.
With Epic Universe now open and Universal continuing aggressive expansion plans, it makes sense that Universal Creative would continue investing heavily in new ride technologies and safety systems.
Patents Don’t Always Become Attractions
It’s important to note that theme park companies file patents constantly, and many concepts never make it into actual attractions.
Sometimes patents are filed simply to protect ideas or emerging technologies for future use.
Still, these filings offer a fascinating look at the kinds of innovations Universal is actively exploring behind the scenes, and honestly, ride-clinging animatronic creatures already sound like something fans would absolutely lose their minds over.
Whether these concepts eventually appear inside Epic Universe, Universal Studios Hollywood, or future projects entirely, it’s always interesting getting a glimpse into the kinds of ideas Universal Creative is working on behind closed doors.
Be sure to keep checking back for more Universal Orlando news, Epic Universe updates, ride technology developments, patent filings, and all the latest theme park coverage.
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