Meet H.E.R.B.I.E.: The Loyal Robot from Fantastic Four

Disneyland park guests are now able to meet The Fantastic Four for a limited time, and accompanying the first family is their iconic, adorable robot, H.E.R.B.I.E.

H.E.R.B.I.E., which stands for Humanoid Experimental Robot, B-type, Integrated Electronics, was developed by Mister Fantastic in the Fantastic Four universe. This charming helper was made to support the team with tasks ranging from scientific research to everyday household duties. It’s no wonder he’s become a beloved character, and the Imagineers made sure he was there to welcome visitors at Disneyland!

Designed and built by Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development, this cute little robot buddy hangs out by the family meeting spot in Tomorrowland. When he’s not helping Reed Richards with his research tasks, H.E.R.B.I.E. joyfully welcomes visitors and strikes a pose for pictures while he’s on the job.

While studios work to bring viewers’ favorite characters to life on the big screen, Walt Disney Imagineering makes these characters tangible for guests and brings them to life in our parks.

When you meet H.E.R.B.I.E., his most noticeable feature is that he moves and balances on an eight-inch sphere. H.E.R.B.I.E. glides effortlessly due to his spherical base, which allows him to pivot, constantly adjust his angle and roll in any direction with outstanding precision.

To keep H.E.R.B.I.E. balanced – even while waving, dancing, and interacting – multiple internal sensors measure his precise motion, angle, and orientation 250 times per second, providing constant feedback to a series of rollers that constantly adjust his position to keep him upright. This gives H.E.R.B.I.E. his dynamic, lifelike motion that feels straight out of the film.

H.E.R.B.I.E.’s personality shines through his expressive and iconic face, comprised of tape reels for his eyes and capstans for his mouth. H.E.R.B.I.E.’s voice actor Matthew Wood even worked with Imagineers to record new phrases and conversation starters (including singing Happy Birthday!), to help H.E.R.B.I.E. prepare for his time in Tomorrowland, and all the guests he’ll meet during his visit.

Look closely and you’ll also spot custom decals and stickers on his body, replicating details straight from the film. That’s apparent when it comes to the attention to detail in our characters. H.E.R.B.I.E.’s surface finishes, custom animations and dedicated sounds are unmatched.

Guests can find H.E.R.B.I.E. in Tomorrowland at Disneyland park, where he is making appearances alongside members of The Fantastic Four for a limited time. In fact, the first family’s park appearance brings everything full circle as it comes to the relationship between our parks and our studios.

Earlier this year at SXSW in Austin, Kevin Feige, president of Marvel Studios, discussed his love for the “mid-century, retro-futuristic” design of Tomorrowland, even sharing that it served as inspiration for the world and artistic style in the film. Meaning, it’s only fitting to bring these beloved characters to life in Tomorrowland!

In addition to meeting the family for a limited time, the façade of Space Mountain will light up each evening with dazzling projection effects inspired by their cosmic adventures. Plus, fans can enjoy themed food, drinks, and novelties like The Fantastic Four: Clobberin’ Sipper and Mister Fantastic Straw Clip throughout Tomorrowland and also in Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure Park.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of the first family of Super Heroes or just getting to know the Fantastic Four and H.E.R.B.I.E. for the first time, make sure to catch The Fantastic Four: First Steps, now in theaters. Then, head on over to Disneyland for more adventures, like meeting the family and their adorable high-tech helper in real life!

Originally appeared on the Disney Parks Blog

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