Robotic Coaster

(I tried to post this in the news area, but it wouldn't take the link... even though it says to supply a link. Go figure!)

http://www.space.com/businesstechnology/technology/technovel_rollercoaster_041124.html

Rollercoaster technology of the future is here! :)

That concept looks wicked! i would seriously hate to see it fail. one troubled servomotor could lead to an accident for sure... *** Edited 11/30/2004 3:22:12 PM UTC by FLYINGSCOOTER***

Prohibitively expensive, hard to keep safe (that is, not nail the track with the arm). I saw it at IAAPA, and honestly I didn't even stop to look. I was that skeptical. The Frequent Faller car across the isle was more interesting.

THATS IS SICK!!! I can't wait to ride it. Looks like the ultimate thrill.

Would this be considered a 4D second Gen?

Looks like something they would put in Vegas, or one of the Disney's.

VERY interesting! Looks insane!

-Tina

It was a good idea, but I am going to have to agree with Jeff on the safety issue. Even if the motors didn't fail or take the program wrong, they would be hieght issues to aviod smashing heads on the track and surroundings of taller passengers. when I headbang, I don't want it against a steel rail

While this might look great in model, and in some nice fancy sketches...I think the physics of this thing are going to be WAyyy to limited.

Basically is the same old high school experiment with a bike wheel spinning in your arms while your on a spinning chair. This "arm" would have to be more than perfectly matched to the G forces this ride is doing while going through the course, or the ride is going to tear it self apart (much like what happened to X in a way.)

I don't see how it would be feasible to do this...the parts it would need just seem like they would have to be more than "extra strength" to compensate for one wild ride.

I do seem them havinga gentle track layout (much like a small dark ride track layout) and then be able to do something. But it still seems like the track is to far away from the riders while the ride arm is suppose to be spinning and what not. Possible? Maybe. I just don't think practical for what some of us would like to see on a big coaster.

"RoboCoaster G2 can be programmed for specific ride parameters depending on the desires of the passenger - from mild (parents, take note) to extreme (you know who you are). It is a highly flexible system, unlike most roller coaster rides that simply take passengers in identical cars along the same path."

Glad they enlightened us about all those simple boring rides we've been wasting our time on for years. In general, I tend to be skeptical of something that claims to be all things to all people, or in this case, all riders.

In a lot of ways, I think it's a conveyance device looking for a problem. Generally theme parks come up with new devices to suit a particular goal (see: most anything at Universal Studios or Epcot).

For all the problems with X, the Arrow 4D is probably the most simple "unique experience" anyone has come up with. I mean, an extra rail positions the seats mechanically, no electronics or motors needed.

This robot is going to require either a battery or a continuous bus, and it needs data to make sure the arm doesn't peg the track, a support, or whatever else is out there.

Yeah, as it needs to know exactly where it is not only in space, but along the track. That said...

...Did you see the Pandora's Box model at the Vekoma booth? That looks like the more likely use for that kind of a robotic arm on a tracked system..just sustitute the robot for that tower that Vekoma was showing, and you've got a cool dark-ride system.

If you want to see video of the Kuka booth at IAAPA, check out this blind link to my webspace.

--Dave Althoff, Jr.

Man, the best woodie in the world would probably come at a cheaper price tag than the rolling stock alone.

Sorry, I have to jump on the naysayer bandwagon too. I honestly do not think anyone will be able to come up with anything better than a well designed woodie.

I too agree that it probably wouldn't happen, and the article doesn't specify that the robocoaster can do anything really out of the ordinary-

"Robocoaster has a number of degrees of freedom...."
"..Arm can spin.." "..full range of motion.." "..move side to side..;..up and down.."

Until we know the creators' definition of the number of degrees, full range or motion, or how much the car can move side to side, etc. , we really don't know what this thing can do.

Great concept, but I personally don't think its that realistic.

Josh

I'd test drive it! of course, i like skiing off cliffs...
the more i think about it: it'd be like any other new and differant coaster...
yes, in the hands of engineers.... :)