Is this the future of the roller coaster? Someone has combined the technology of the Oculus Rift virtual reality headset with a ride on a real roller coaster. And it’s all synchronized.
Meet the VR (Virtual Reality) Coaster.
Think of it as riding an actual roller coaster while seeing a virtual reality that is as limitless as the artists and designers who create the digital environment.
A virtual design professor at the University of Applied Sciences Kaiserslautern developed the idea, and German amusement manufacturer Mack allowed the professor to test the concept on two of its roller coasters at Europa Park:
…on April 7, we actually became VR coaster pioneers – being the very first people to experience an Oculus Rift VR-ride on a real roller coaster, synchronized to the real track. On that day, we all felt that we were laying the foundation of something very big.
The developer conducted hundreds of test rides on guests wearing the hi-tech headsets. Even though similar concepts existed, having a reputable name like Mack helped the VR Coaster concept:
Of course, we had a hard time watching the first videos of people riding coasters with an Oculus Rift surfacing on the web – while we had already been performing dozens and dozens of such rides. But, knowing that with Mack Rides we’re having a major industry partner on our side, we were always confident that their amazing support would still make for a great and successful publication of this project, even if it would take some time.
Watch the video of riders sporting the Oculus Rift headset on two Mack roller coasters below:
Visit the VR Coaster website to learn more about the virtual reality coaster concept.
What do you think of this kind of virtual reality thrill ride? Discuss in the comments section below.
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