Disney Parks & Resorts made a short presentation on the future of Audio-Animatronics in Disney Theme Parks today at IAAPA 2018:

Quote Originally Posted by Gabrielle Russon | Orlando Sentinel

... new animatronics “will come to life in a very big way” when Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens, Chapek said.

They will be all electric with the ability to show more expression and range of motion. The latest animatronics will also be more dependable, not losing their sharpness over time, according to a video shown during Chapek’s 30-minute presentation in front of theme park industry employees and leaders.

Chapek called it “most lifelike, expressive and engaging animatronic yet.”

“The one thing A1000s can’t do is fly through the air,” Chapek said. “We’ve been working on that too.”

Walt Disney Co. is developing a “stuntronic” — an animatronic that has the power to flip in the air while on what looked like a trapeze or soar through the air, arms outstretched, like a superhero going to a fight.

Chapek did not provide details on when or where stuntronics would be used. A Disney spokeswoman said afterward the company was not commenting further Wednesday.

“We’re just beginning to explore the promise for this incredible creations,” Chapek said. “We already see the potential to bring storytelling to life in new and amazing ways.”