Walt Disney Forms New Tech Group to Lead AI and Mixed Reality Efforts
Walt Disney is creating a new group to coordinate the company’s use of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and mixed reality, as it explores applications across its film, television, and theme park divisions. The newly formed Office of Technology Enablement will be led by Jamie Voris, the film studio’s chief technology officer who previously led the development of Disney’s app for the Apple Vision Pro mixed reality device. Eddie Drake will succeed Voris as the studio’s CTO.
In an email seen on Friday, Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman highlighted the rapid advancements in AI and extended reality (XR), which includes mixed reality, noting that these technologies are profoundly impacting consumer experiences, creative projects, and Disney’s businesses. Bergman emphasized the importance of exploring these opportunities and managing potential risks, stating that the creation of the Office of Technology Enablement reflects Disney’s commitment to this goal.
Voris will report directly to Bergman, and the Office of Technology Enablement will initially launch with a core leadership team. The unit, expected to grow to about 100 employees, will focus on areas like AI and mixed reality, ensuring that projects align with Disney’s broader strategy rather than centralizing all work under one unit. Disney has been gradually building expertise across the organization to capitalize on these emerging technologies.
For example, Kyle Laughlin, who has a background in augmented and virtual reality and AI, returned to Disney in March as senior vice president of research and development for Walt Disney Imagineering, which designs theme park attractions. Disney is assembling a team to harness new technologies, such as lightweight AR glasses, to enhance theme park experiences and bring innovative entertainment options to consumers at home, competing with tech giants like Meta, Sony, Apple, and ByteDance in the expanding AR/VR market.
