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Innoventions
Sum of All Thrills
Features RoboSim 4-D Simulator
KUKA Robotics Corporation
announced on October 7, 2009, the usage of the RoboSim 4-D
Simulator ride system as part of the new exhibit, "Sum of
All Thrills," at Innoventions. The addition of the
RoboSim 4-D Simulator is an expansion of KUKA's current
presence at Innoventions, where you can also experience "Rockin'
Robots," a 2,000-plus square foot interactive exhibit
allowing guests to conduct a robotic band, located in
Innoventions West.
"The popularity and
expansion of Innoventions coupled with KUKA's unique and
innovative robotic and educational solutions in this exciting
entertainment and education project will enhance the KUKA
brand presence while strengthening our continued growth in the
North American market," said Stu Shepherd, President of
the KUKA Robotics Corporation, in an interview with
BusinessWire. "We are excited for the opportunity to
demonstrate KUKA's unique capabilities in a market that drives
progress and interest in learning."
The KUKA RoboSim 4-D Simulator
creates a 4-dimensional experience through 3-D robotic motion
and "wind," by controlling air movements to
stimulate the senses providing a more realistic simulation
experience involving high speeds, quick direction changes and
different climates for a unique sensation. The appeal of the
2-seat simulator is that it does not fully enclose the rider,
but allows the rider's legs and feet to be suspended. The
spherical carbon-fiber hood, which is integrated as part of
the unique KUKA RoboCoaster ride system, immerses the rider
into a true sensory experience by using high definition video
combined with stereo sound and controlled air motion.
"The KUKA RoboCoaster
programmable robotic ride system utilizes 6 axes and 6 degrees
of total directional freedom with synchronized 'under the
hood' entertainment that provides a thrilling experience like
no other," commented Stu Shepherd in the BusinessWire
interview.
The RoboSim 4-D Simulator
includes safety devices such as smoke alarms and temperature
monitoring. Video cameras and microphones allow RoboSim
operators to monitor passengers at all times.
Prime venues for use of the
RoboCoaster and RoboSim versions include theme parks, science
centers, shopping malls, family entertainment centers,
amusement parks, leisure parks, and other motion-enhanced,
virtual reality applications.
New
Disney Attraction To Teach Storm Safety
This
story obtained from WESH on Feb. 6, 2008
Disney
announced its latest theme park addition at a ceremony
Wednesday. Slated to debut late this summer in
Epcot
Center
's Innoventions complex, StormStruck: A Tale of Two Homes will
aim to teach visitors the importance of home safety in a fun,
interactive way.
"This
groundbreaking exhibit represents a milestone in the disaster
safety movement," Leslie Chapman-Henderson, President and
CEO of the nonprofit Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH),
said. "It will save lives and homes by combining fun with
education."
Co-founded
by FEMA, FLASH is partnering with several other local
companies to present StormStruck. Chapman-Henderson views the
attraction as a great opportunity to spread the
Tallahassee-based company's message of home safety and
disaster readiness.
"This
is the most significant initiative that we could have dreamed
of," Chapman-Henderson said. "It's been tremendous
for us."
The
attraction will allow visitors to discover what it would feel
like to experience severe weather, such as a hurricane. After
"the storm," StormStruck will teach guests about
weather-related science and cutting-edge technology used to
protect homes from a disaster, featuring an exercise in
"rebuilding" a home.
Chapman-Henderson
declined to get more specific, but said the attraction will be
"very fast-paced and very fun."
During
the ceremony, Chapman-Henderson and representatives from other
sponsors pointed to Tuesday night's severe thunderstorms in
Tennessee
and
Arkansas
as further evidence about the need for disaster preparedness.
But as Chapman-Henderson said, the greatest challenge has been
getting the message out.
"We
have never doubted the need for disaster preparedness,"
Chapman-Henderson said. "And who does it better than
Disney when it comes to storytelling?"
The
sponsors all said they hoped that this attraction will make a
difference in people's lives.
"Educating
homeowners about the simple steps they can take to create a
safer and stronger home is what this attraction is all
about," said Terry Kingsfather, president of co-sponsor
Simpson Strong-Tie. "We're proud to be a part of an
effort that can help reduce damage to homes all across
America
."
Innoventions
refers to hands-on science-based attractions that are housed
in two buildings--Innoventions West and Innoventions East.
Below are brief descriptions of each attraction.
Innoventions
West
| Attraction |
Description |
| Slap Stick Studios |
You are the main attraction at this
interactive comedy game show. "What's Your
Problem?" challenges you to use your
problem-solving abilities, and the results will have you
laughing all day. Creativity abounds as children of all
ages enjoy designing their own personalized "pet
frog" to take home with them. Presented by The
Velcro Companies. |
| The Great Piggy Bank
Adventure |
What's your dream goal--a college
education, ultimate vacation, room makeover or to be
able to retire in style? This interactive adventure is
led by your own P.I.G. (Personal Investment Guide) who
guides you through the ups and downs of saving and
investing. Continue your adventure online at:
www.TheGreatPiggyBankAdventure.com. Presented by T. Rowe
Price. |
| Smarter Planet |
Smarter technology is leading to a smarter
planet! Have you ever imagined being the star of your
very own video game? IBM has designed a new way to play
and puts you in the game at Run Time. Create an avatar
that runs, jumps and looks just like you and then play
your way through computing history. The fun doesn't have
to end at the finish of the game because you can email a
version home and continue playing. Presented by IBM. |
| Kim Possible World
Showcase Adventure |
Embark on an international adventure to
save the world from comical villains and their mad
inventions. Register at the Recruitment Center to
receive your "Kimmunicator" and mission
assignment that takes you on an exciting quest
throughout the World Showcase. Follow the clues and
"save the world." |
| Rockin' Robots |
You are the conductor as these four robots
take the stage to create beautiful music. Direct the
robo-band as they use everything from metal chimes,
gongs, crates, and car horns to create music with a
beat. Presented by KUKA. |
| Video Playground |
Experience the newest in Disney
Interactive video games. You don't have to be a kid to
get caught up in the excitement. Feel like you're a part
of the action and experience gaming like you've never
seen it before. |
| Segway Central |
Have you seen the world's first
self-balancing, electric powered personal transportation
device? Test a Segway Personal Transporter (PT)
yourself, and move forward, backward, or stay at rest on
the cutting-edge alternative to walking. Presented by
Segway, Inc. |
| Where's the Fire? |
Save the most dangerous house in America
by identifying everyday fire hazards. Small children can
"play it safe" in a house designed
specifically to educate them on escape routes and to
"stop, drop, cover your face and roll."
Discover your inner firefighter at the Firefighter Photo
station and send a photo postcard to family and friends
at home or try to become a "Fire Chief" by
answering the most questions correctly at the Burning
Questions stations. Presented by Liberty Mutual
Insurance. |
Innoventions
East
| Attraction |
Description |
| Sum of All Thrills |
How much energy does it take for a jet to
fly or a rollercoaster to climb its first hill? Discover
the answers to these questions as you uncover your
"inner engineer." Using the principles of
math, science and engineering, "kids of all
ages" can design and customize their very own
thrill ride. Once your creation is complete--take off in
a simulator to experience your personalized jet plane,
bobsled or rollercoaster ride. Presented by Raytheon.
Note that guests must transfer from wheelchair or ECV,
and height requirements are in effect. |
| Don't Waste It! |
Compete with your team to discover how to
reduce, reuse, and recycle the waste you create every
day. Pilot a mini-trash truck through interactive games
that allow you to "recover the resource" and
save the environment. Presented by Waste Management,
Inc. |
| Stormstruck |
Experience the power of a weather event
complete with wind, rain and lightning while learning
how to best prepare your home for impending weather
perils. Kids will enjoy building a storm safety kit and
everyone will have the ability to send home information
from the "Weather Safe" kiosks. Presented by
Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) and its partners
Renaissance Re, Simpson Strong-Tie and State Farm. |
| Environmentality
Corner |
Learn important information about how you
can protect and preserve our environment. An interactive
papermaking station allows children of all ages the
chance to learning about papermaking and even make their
own sample to take home. |
| Test the Limits Lab |
Produce safety testers needed to shatter,
torture, slam and drop the products that Underwriters
Laboratories engineers test every day. Fun for kids of
all ages, this safety testing experience allows you to
analyze the safety and design of everyday products and
"test their limits." The Safety Smart Lab
provides short presentations on how to keep your family
safe and secure at home. Presented by Underwriters
Laboratories, Inc. |
| Kim Possible World
Showcase Adventure |
Embark on an international adventure to
save the world from comical villains and their mad
inventions. Register at the Recruitment Center to
receive your "Kimmunicator" and mission
assignment that takes you on an exciting quest
throughout the World Showcase. Follow the clues and
"save the world." |
Below are some
photographs of The Great Piggybank Adventure
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