
Disney Research and ETH Zürich teamed up to create an artistic robot that draws in the sand. BeachBot uses a rake with individually adjustable tongs to create lines in the sand, drawing abstract art and Disney characters.
Three special balloon tires move the bot along with beach without a trace, so the robot is free to leave some areas untouched as it follows along its pre-programmed path. The turtle-shaped robot is approximately 2 feet long and 16 inches wide. It keeps track of its location using a laser scanner mounted on the robot and reflective poles that delineate the border of the drawing area. It’s aluminum casing is also specially sealed to keep out the sand.