AI @ Disney

Disney leverages reinforcement learning for robotics with Imagineering creating lifelike droids; AI strategy focuses on vertical integration of IP and immersive experiences, though deployment challenges exist behind the scenes.

• Klover AI: Disney's AI Strategy: Analysis of AI Dominance in Mass Media Entertainment
• Futurism: Disney's Secret Experiments With AI Have Reportedly Struggled
• Wall Street Journal: Is It Still Disney Magic if It's AI?
• Variety: Disney Imagineering Is Employing AI to Usher In Robotics Revolution

Disney advances AI strategy to improve service quality and explores broader implications, while continuing litigation against AI firm Midjourney over copyright infringement using Disney IP.

• HFTP Blog: Beyond the Magic: How Disney's AI Strategy Is Redefining Entertainment
• Disney Careers: Lead Machine Learning Engineer (Artificial Intelligence) Job Posting
• Frost Brown Todd: Midjourney Faces Disney Lawsuit Just as Court Backs Fair Use in AI Training
• BBC: Disney and Universal sue AI firm Midjourney over images

CEO Bob Iger publicly addresses Disney's use of generative AI in movies and TV with three guiding principles to preserve artistic integrity and legacy.

• Yahoo: Disney Will Use AI in Movies & TV but Has 3 Rules for It
• The Hollywood Reporter: Bob Iger Says AI May Be “Most Powerful Technology That Has Come Along in Ages”

Disney forms new Office of Technology Enablement, led by Jamie Voris, to oversee AI and mixed reality adoption focusing on responsible technology deployment and creating immersive 3-D experiences.

• Vitrina AI: Disney New Office to Oversee AI and Mixed Reality
• Reuters: Walt Disney forms business unit to coordinate use of AI and augmented reality
• Deadline: Disney Creates Department To Explore AI And Other Technologies
• Variety: Disney Establishes Group to Oversee AI, Mixed Reality Technologies
• Forbes: 3 Big AI Changes At Disney – With More To Come

Disney Accelerator 2024 emphasizes collaboration with external companies exploring AI benefits to the entertainment industry.

• The Walt Disney Company: The Walt Disney Company Announces the 10th Year of Disney Accelerator

Disney Studios faces controversy replacing background actors with AI alternatives while expanding AI applications in animation and broader company operations.

• Disney Dining: Disney Replaces Dozens of Actors With Artificial Intelligence
• AI Expert Network: Case Study: The Magic of AI at Disney

Disney creates a task force to explore AI and how it can reduce costs across its entertainment conglomerate.

• Reuters: Disney creates task force to explore AI and cut costs

Initial exploration of AI in Disney's business with unique use-cases highlighted by Emerj AI Research, marking early interest in AI applications.

• Emerj Artificial Intelligence Research: Artificial Intelligence at Disney