Virtual reality roller coaster

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A virtual reality roller coaster is a special kind of amusement park ride attraction, consisting of a roller coaster facility or ride that can be experienced with virtual reality headsets. [1] The setup has been widely said to have been invented [2] by Thomas Wagner, who has also produced most of the worldwide installations with his company VR Coaster GmbH & Co. KG since late 2015. [3] [4] The concept of a "virtual reality" coaster was tested first in 2004 with the Galaxie Express at Space Park Bremen in Bremen, Germany. [5] [6] Since then, several theme parks all over the world have been adapting this technology to extend their existing coaster facilities. [7] [8]

Contents

Background and history

A train of the Superman - The Ride virtual reality roller coaster at the Six Flags New England theme park. Riders are wearing Gear VR virtual reality headsets. VR Coaster Train at Six Flags New England.jpg
A train of the Superman – The Ride virtual reality roller coaster at the Six Flags New England theme park. Riders are wearing Gear VR virtual reality headsets.

While virtual reality roller coaster simulations quickly became quite popular after the appearance of the Oculus Rift, it showed that dizziness and motion sickness, known as virtual reality sickness, would be a major problem. [9] This was caused by the offset between the simulated motion in virtual reality and the lack of real motion, as the inner sense of balance wouldn't feel the appropriate forces and turns. [10] In order to test if this could be overcome by synchronizing virtual reality movement to real motion, a research group of the University of Applied Sciences, Kaiserslautern, led by Thomas Wagner, together with roller coaster manufacturer Mack Rides and Europa-Park, has been conducting experiments on actual roller coaster facilities since early 2014. [11] It showed that, with a precise synchronization, not only the nausea would disappear, but also a new kind of attraction was created as, for the first time, this setup allowed for a simulation ride to feature continuous G forces, zero gravity and drops (or so-called air time).

Still, the technical setup of the 2014 experiments was not feasible yet for a permanent installation. Most of all, mounting a computer on a coaster train would not have worked due to the continuous heavy vibrations; also the usual cable connection of a classical virtual reality headset like the Oculus Rift would have meant a serious safety hazard. Wagner and his team could eventually overcome these problems by deploying so called mobile virtual reality headsets like the Samsung Gear VR, where the entire image generation happens directly inside of the actual headset. The very first virtual reality roller coaster installations have been opened to the public in late 2015, [12] starting at Europa-Park, Germany, followed by Canada's Wonderland [13] and Universal Studios Japan, [14] all of them developed by the startup company VR Coaster, which originated from Wagners Research Group. [15]

In 2014, another startup called Astral Vision [16] presented a wearable technology prototype for theme park rides that uses mobile phone sensors and does not require additional sensors.

As of June 2016, 17 theme parks worldwide were operating virtual reality roller coasters.

Technical solutions

Key to a comfortable virtual reality experience on an actual moving ride attraction is a precise synchronization of the virtual ride animation. [17] [18] To achieve this, the coaster train is equipped with special hardware that monitors the position of the train in the track layout and then wirelessly transmits this information to the headsets of the riders. [19] [18] [20] This is also crucial, as the virtual reality experience needs to run in absolute tracking mode (unlike relative tracking when used at home, where the virtual reality view automatically rotates with a virtual vehicle), so without a precise tracking solution, curves and turns would not be in the right place. In other words, a virtual cockpit must always turn and travel in exactly the same direction as the real coaster car, which would not be possible without an automated synchronization. Still, as the human sense of balance can't detect absolute velocities but only acceleration and turns, speed and dimensions can be altered in virtual reality. [21] Even curves can be bent to different angles, as long as the relative direction of the turn is preserved (clockwise or counterclockwise). [22]

Experience

As virtual reality allows for several modifications and extensions of the actual track layout, the size of the virtual reality track can be much larger than the real one. [23] This of course means that speeds can be much faster and heights much taller, as these aspects also grow with the increased dimensions. Most of all, there is no need to show an actual track or rails (which would give away what element comes next), other than for dramaturgical reasons. As the rider is totally immersed in the virtual reality world, one can even be tricked by giving hints on a wrong track direction and then e.g. have a giant creature grabbing the virtual cockpit and carrying it into a different direction (which turns out to be the actual direction of the rails). Also, the effect of physical track elements like block brakes can be utilized in the virtual reality experience for dramatic elements like crashing through a virtual barrier or building. [24] Riders report after their first virtual reality roller coaster ride that it is unlike anything they have ever experienced before. [25]

Operation

Riders are provided with virtual reality headsets to wear whilst on the ride. These headsets may be portable, or permanently attached to the ride itself and will display a synchronised video to the riders who experience the motions of the ride combined with the alternate reality provided through the headsets. After the ride, headsets are sanitised and (where applicable) recharged for future use.

In most cases, the virtual reality aspect of the ride is optional, and in some cases a supplement may be required for use.

Appearances

In Operation?NameName of Roller CoasterTypeDurationLength in MetersVR optional?OpeningRoller Coaster ManufacturerVR DeveloperParkCountryCity, RegionNote
X mark.svgGalaxie ExpressGalaxie ExpressPowered Coaster499February 2004 Mack Rides Flag of Germany.svg  Germany Bremen, BremenTest concept of a "virtual reality" coaster.
Yes check.svgAlpenexpress Coastiality Alpenexpress Enzian [26] Powered Coaster 1:40264Yes check.svg

5/19 VR-Rows

September 17, 2015 [27] Mack Rides MackMedia and VR Coaster [28] Europa-Park Flag of Germany.svg  Germany Rust, Baden-Württemberg
Yes check.svgThunder Run VR Thunder Run [29] Powered Coaster 1:24330.1Yes check.svgOctober 3, 2015 Mack Rides VR Coaster Canada's Wonderland Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg  Canada Vaughan, Ontario
Yes check.svgVR Coaster Freedom Flyer [30] [ needs update ] Suspended Family Coaster 1:00395Yes check.svgNovember 16, 2015 Vekoma VR Coaster Fun Spot America Flag of the United States (23px).png  United States Orlando, FloridaVR Demonstration at IAAPA 2015
Yes check.svgUniversal Studios Japan XR Rides Space Fantasy: The Ride [31] Spinning Coaster 2:35585Yes check.svgJanuary 14, 2016 [32] [33] Mack Rides VR Coaster Universal Studios Japan Flag of Japan.svg  Japan Osaka, OsakaJapan's first rollercoaster fully dedicated to Virtual Reality
X mark.svg Galactic Attack Virtual Reality Coaster Shock Wave Sit-Down Coaster2:001097.3Yes check.svgMarch 10, 2016Schwarzkopf VR Coaster Six Flags Over Texas Flag of the United States (23px).png  United States Arlington, Texas
X mark.svg Galactic Attack Virtual Reality Coaster Dare Devil Dive Sit-Down Coaster639.8Yes check.svgMarch 12, 2016Gerstlauer Amusement Rides VR Coaster Six Flags Over Georgia Flag of the United States (23px).png  United States Austell, Georgia
X mark.svgPegasus CoastialityPegasusYoungstar Coaster1:30400Yes check.svg

4/10 VR-Rows

March 17, 2016 Mack Rides Ambient Entertainment, VR Coaster and MackMedia Europa-Park Flag of Germany.svg  Germany Rust, Baden-Württemberg
Yes check.svgDinolino's VR-RideFamilienachterbahnSit-Down Coaster1:25222Yes check.svgMarch 19, 2016 [34] Zierer VR Coaster Erlebnispark Schloss ThurnFlag of Germany.svg  Germany Heroldsbach, Bayern
X mark.svgGalactica Air [35] Flying Coaster 1:40840Yes check.svgMarch 24, 2016 Bolliger & Mabillard Figment Productions Alton Towers Resort Flag of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom Alton, Staffordshire Moorlands
X mark.svg Galactic Attack Virtual Reality Coaster New Revolution Sit-Down Coaster2:121053.7Yes check.svgMarch 25, 2016Schwarzkopf VR Coaster Six Flags Magic Mountain Flag of the United States (23px).png  United States Valencia, California
Yes check.svgMount Mara [36] RevolutionSit-Down Coaster2:20720Yes check.svgMarch 26, 2016 Vekoma VR Coaster Bobbejaanland Flag of Belgium (civil).svg  Belgium Lichtaart, Antwerp
Yes check.svgLinnunrata eXtra [37] Linnunrata Sit-Down Coaster0:50360Yes check.svgMay 1, 2016 Zierer VR Coaster Linnanmäki Flag of Finland.svg  Finland Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
X mark.svg The New Revolution Virtual Reality Coaster Goliath Hyper Coaster 1231Yes check.svgMay 19, 2016 Bolliger & Mabillard VR Coaster La Ronde Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg  Canada Montréal, Québec
X mark.svgIron Dragon Iron Dragon Suspended Coaster2:00853Yes check.svgMay 24, 2016 Arrow Dynamics VR Coaster Cedar Point Flag of the United States (23px).png  United States Sandusky, Ohio
X mark.svg Galactic Attack Virtual Reality Coaster Ninja Sit-Down Coaster2:00740.7Yes check.svgMay 24, 2016 Vekoma VR Coaster Six Flags St. Louis Flag of the United States (23px).png  United States Eureka, Missouri
X mark.svg SUPERMAN Ride of Steel Virtual Reality Coaster Superman - Ride of Steel Mega Coaster 2:101630.7Yes check.svgJune 8, 2016 Intamin Amusement Rides VR Coaster Six Flags America Flag of the United States (23px).png  United States Upper Marlboro, Maryland
X mark.svg SUPERMAN Krypton Coaster Virtual Reality Coaster Superman Krypton Coaster Floorless Coaster 2:351226.8Yes check.svgJune 8, 2016 Bolliger & Mabillard VR Coaster Six Flags Fiesta Texas Flag of the United States (23px).png  United States San Antonio, Texas
X mark.svg SUPERMAN The Ride Virtual Reality Coaster Superman the Ride Mega Coaster 2:351645.9Yes check.svgJune 9, 2016 Intamin Amusement Rides VR Coaster Six Flags New England Flag of the United States (23px).png  United States Agawam, Massachusetts
X mark.svg The New Revolution Virtual Reality Coaster Steamin' Demon Sit-Down Coaster0:37477Yes check.svgJune 20, 2016Arrow Dynamics VR Coaster Great Escape Flag of the United States (23px).png  United States Queensbury, New York
Yes check.svgOlandese VolanteOlandese VolanteMine Train2.30681Yes check.svgJune 25, 2016VekomaMoviemex3DRainbow Magic LandFlag of Italy.svg  Italy Valmontone (Rome)First Italian VR Coaster
X mark.svgRage of the Gargoyles: Virtual Reality Coaster Demon Sit-Down Coaster1:45649Yes check.svgAugust 10, 2016Arrow Dynamics VR Coaster Six Flags Great America Flag of the United States (23px).png  United States Gurnee, Illinois
X mark.svgRage of the Gargoyles: Virtual Reality Coaster Skull Mountain Sit-Down Coaster1:24420Yes check.svgSeptember 20, 2016 Intamin Amusement Rides VR Coaster Six Flags Great Adventure Flag of the United States (23px).png  United States Jackson, New Jersey
X mark.svgRage of the Gargoyles: Virtual Reality Coaster Kong Suspended Looping Coaster1:36689Yes check.svgSeptember 22, 2016Vekoma VR Coaster Six Flags Discovery Kingdom Flag of the United States (23px).png  United States Vallejo, California
X mark.svgRage of the Gargoyles: Virtual Reality Coaster Shock Wave Sit-Down Coaster2:001097.3Yes check.svgSchwarzkopf VR Coaster Six Flags Over Texas Flag of the United States (23px).png  United States Arlington, Texas
X mark.svgRage of the Gargoyles: Virtual Reality Coaster Ninja Sit-Down Coaster2:00740.7Yes check.svg Vekoma VR Coaster Six Flags St. Louis Flag of the United States (23px).png  United States Eureka, Missouri
X mark.svgRage of the Gargoyles: Virtual Reality Coaster Dare Devil Dive Sit-Down Coaster639.8Yes check.svgGerstlauer Amusement Rides VR Coaster Six Flags Over Georgia Flag of the United States (23px).png  United States Austell, Georgia
X mark.svgRage of the Gargoyles: Virtual Reality Coaster Goliath Hyper Coaster 1231Yes check.svg Bolliger & Mabillard VR Coaster La Ronde Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg  Canada Montréal, Québec
Yes check.svgFreedom Flyer 2.0 Freedom Flyer [30] Suspended Family Coaster 1:00395Yes check.svgNovember 16, 2016 Vekoma VR Coaster Fun Spot America Flag of the United States (23px).png  United States Orlando, Florida
X mark.svg Santa's Wild Sleigh Ride The New Revolution Sit-Down Coaster2:121053.7Yes check.svgNovember 19, 2016Schwarzkopf VR Coaster Six Flags Magic Mountain Flag of the United States (23px).png  United States Valencia, CaliforniaChristmas Special
X mark.svgSHAMAN Magic Mountain (roller coaster) Sit-Down Coaster2:00700Yes check.svg2017VekomaFigment Productions Gardaland Flag of Italy.svg  Italy Castelnuovo del Garda, Veneto
Yes check.svgArkham Asylum Arkham Asylum – Shock Therapy Suspended Looping Coaster1:42765Yes check.svg2016-17 Vekoma VR Coaster Warner Bros. Movie World Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia Gold Coast, Queensland
Yes check.svgEvangelion XR Ride Space Fantasy - The Ride Sit-Down Coaster585Yes check.svgJanuary 13, 2017 Mack Rides VR Coaster Universal Studios Japan Flag of Japan.svg  Japan Osaka, OsakaThis ride is a part of the "Universal Cool Japan 2017" event, concluded on June 25, 2017.
Yes check.svgDæmonen Virtual Reality Dæmonen Floorless Coaster 1:46564Yes check.svgApril 6, 2017 Bolliger & Mabillard VR Coaster Tivoli Gardens Flag of Denmark.svg  Denmark Copenhagen
Yes check.svgTren de la Mina VR CoasterTren de la MinaSit-Down Coaster1:46564Yes check.svgMay 20, 2017Gerstlauer Amusement Rides GmbH VR Coaster Parque de Atracciones de Madrid Flag of Spain.svg  Spain Madrid
Yes check.svgAstral VisionWindstarZFamily Rides2:01480Yes check.svgMarch, 2017 Zamperla Astral Vision Luna Park Flag of the United States (23px).png  United States New York
X mark.svgMaster Thai VR CoasterMaster ThaiSit-Down Coaster2:10Yes check.svgMay 20, 2017 Preston & Barbieri VR Coaster Mirabilandia Flag of Italy.svg  Italy Savio
Yes check.svgTitan VR CoasterTitanSit-Down Coaster1:20823Yes check.svgJanuary 14, 2017 Sansei Technologies VR Coaster Selva MágicaFlag of Mexico.svg  Mexico Guadalajara
X mark.svgGalactic Attack: Mind Eraser Virtual Reality CoasterMind Eraser Suspended Looping Coaster 1:36689Yes check.svgMay 20, 2017 Vekoma VR Coaster Six Flags New England Flag of the United States (23px).png  United States Agawam
X mark.svgGalactic Attack: Mind Eraser Virtual Reality CoasterMind Eraser Suspended Looping Coaster 1:36689Yes check.svgMay 20, 2017 Vekoma VR Coaster Six Flags America Flag of the United States (23px).png  United States Upper Marlboro
Yes check.svgJoyride Virtual Reality CoasterJoyrideSit-Down Coaster1:15280Yes check.svgMay 20, 2017L&T Systems VR Coaster PowerlandFlag of Finland.svg  Finland Kauhava
Yes check.svgFrench Revolution 2.0 VRFrench RevolutionSit-Down Coaster1:45Yes check.svgNovember 26, 2016 Vekoma VR Coaster Lotte World Flag of South Korea.svg  South Korea Seoul
Yes check.svgBatman: Arkham Asylum VR CoasterBatman: Arkham Asylum Inverted Coaster 1:20823Yes check.svgMay 20, 2017 Bolliger & Mabillard VR Coaster Parque Warner Madrid Flag of Spain.svg  Spain Madrid
Yes check.svgSteampunk HuntersWestern-ExpressenSit-Down Coaster1:15335Yes check.svgApril 22, 2017 [38] Vekoma VR Coaster Tusenfryd Flag of Norway.svg  Norway Vinterbro, Akershus
Yes check.svgGletscherblitzGletscherblitz Powered Coaster Yes check.svgMarch 24, 2018 Mack Rides VR Coaster Steinwasen ParkFlag of Germany.svg  Germany Oberried, Baden-Württemberg
Yes check.svgDream Catcher VRDream CatcherSwinging Turns2:44600Yes check.svgJune 23, 2018 Vekoma VR Coaster Bobbejaanland Flag of Belgium (civil).svg  Belgium Lichtaart, Antwerp
Yes check.svgEurosat Coastiality Eurosat - CanCan Coaster Indoor roller coaster 3:20900Yes check.svgSeptember 13, 2018 Mack Rides MackMedia and VR Coaster Europa-Park Flag of Germany.svg  Germany Rust, Baden-WürttembergCoaster features separate stations for VR and non VR ride on the same roller coaster. VR riders enter the coaster train with VR headset already on.
Yes check.svgDen Hemmelige VerdenViktor VandormSit-Down Coaster750Yes check.svg2018 Zierer VR Coaster BonBon-Land Flag of Denmark.svg  Denmark Holme-Olstrup, Sjælland
Yes check.svgVirtual ExpressTibidabo Express Powered Coaster X mark.svg2017 Zamperla VR Coaster Tibidabo Flag of Spain.svg  Spain BarcelonaSimilar film about "Schloss Balthasar" as at Europa-Park
Yes check.svgCrazy Bats Crazy Bats Enclosed roller coaster 4:001300Yes check.svgJune 25, 2019 Vekoma Ambient Entertainment Phantasialand Flag of Germany.svg  Germany BrühlFilm about the three bats from the German film Monster Family
Yes check.svgWilde MausWilde Maus XXL Wild Mouse 2:30585Yes check.svg Mack Rides VR Coaster TravelingFlag of Germany.svg  Germany
Yes check.svgVR Rollercoaster (高空VR过山车)VR Rollercoaster (高空VR过山车) [39] Junior Coaster 320Yes check.svg1996 Vekoma Oriental Pearl Tower Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg  People's Republic of China Shanghai
Yes check.svgHurricane 360Hurricane 360 VRYoungstar Coaster2:11400Yes check.svg Mack Rides Ambient Entertainment, DOF Robotics, VR Coaster and MackMedia Chimelong Paradise Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg  People's Republic of China GuangzhouThe same film which has formerly been used at Pegasus at Europa-Park

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  25. ↑ "Superman The Ride VR Coaster Media Day Six Flags New England". Theme Park Review. 11 June 2016. Archived from the original on 21 August 2016. Retrieved 18 June 2016.
  26. ↑ "Alpenexpress Enzian - Europa Park (Rust, Baden Wuerttemberg, Germany)". rcdb.com (in German). Archived from the original on 2009-08-31. Retrieved 2016-02-12.
  27. ↑ epfans.info Team. "Offizieller Europa-Park Fanclub - Pressekonferenz/Premiere VR-Coaster Alpenexpress". www.epfans.de (in German). Retrieved 2016-02-12.
  28. ↑ "Virtual Reality | Mack Media". www.mackmedia.de. Archived from the original on 2016-01-09.
  29. ↑ "Thunder Run - Canada's Wonderland (Vaughan, Ontario, Canada)". rcdb.com (in German). Archived from the original on 2006-08-27. Retrieved 2016-02-12.
  30. 1 2 "Freedom Flyer - Fun Spot America (Orlando, Florida, USA)". rcdb.com (in German). Archived from the original on 2011-11-29. Retrieved 2016-02-12.
  31. ↑ "Kyary Pamyu Pamyu XR Ride - Universal Studios Japan (Osaka, Osaka, Japan)". rcdb.com (in German). Archived from the original on 2010-02-08. Retrieved 2016-02-12.
  32. ↑ "Universal Studios Japan Opens "Cool Japan"-Themed Attraction Set". Anime News Network (in German). Retrieved 2016-02-12.
  33. ↑ ユニバーサル・スタジオ・ジャパン公式 [@USJ_Official] (14 January 2016). "明日スタート！【ユニバーサル・クールジャパン 2016】特命大使のきゃりーぱみゅぱみゅさんが開会宣言！世界に誇る5大ブランドのアトラクションがいよいよ登場！ #USJ" (Tweet) (in German). Retrieved 14 January 2016– via Twitter.
  34. ↑ "Erlebnispark Schloss Thurn macht seine Achterbahn 2016 zum Virtual-Reality-Coaster". Parkerlebnis – Freizeitpark-Magazin (in German). Archived from the original on 2016-02-14. Retrieved 2016-02-13.
  35. ↑ "Galactica - Alton Towers (Alton, Staffordshire, England, UK)". rcdb.com (in German). Archived from the original on 2009-08-08. Retrieved 2016-02-12.
  36. ↑ "Bobbejaanland's VR Coaster Mount Mara and Immersive Storytelling" (in German). Archived from the original on 2016-04-14. Retrieved 2016-06-19.
  37. ↑ "Linnunrata eXtra – roller coaster". Linnanmäki (in German). Archived from the original on 2016-06-27. Retrieved 2016-06-19.
  38. ↑ "Steampunk Hunters" . Retrieved 25 May 2018.
  39. ↑ VR Rollercoaster, RCDB. Retrieved 2021-10-03
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