COMMERCIAL BREAKTHROUGH IN GYRO VR MOTION SYSTEMS

 BY GABRIELLE

An interesting development in the world of Gyro VR motion systems should lead to plenty of technological innovations in the future of the field. One of the world’s pre-eminent experience designers has joined forces with a leading digital agency and manufacturer to exclusively supply the Gyro VR system in Europe as well as innovate new developments together.

Holovis specialise in multisensory, immersive and interactive platforms, serving global destination attractions and entertainment venues with emerging disruptive technology and transformational solutions. Their new partner, Sanghwa, is one of the top digital agencies in Korea and the manufacturer of the Gyro VR motion system.

The Gyro VR motion system is a 360-degree spinning rig that allows people to experience real-time movement during a virtual journey which can include complete rotations. The two companies have already developed an exclusive 2-DOF Gyro VR system together, which is a 360-rotating motion system rig designed to fit in spaces with a ceiling height of less than 2.2 metres. The major contribution to this new rig provided by Holovis is the addition of customised middleware and enhanced interactivity. They have also introduced new IP-led content that enables the creation of unique programme paths.

The enhanced interactivity means guests experiencing the Gyro VR system will be able to influence the virtual journey they are undertaking, changing the path they ‘travel’ upon and thus create a unique and personal experience.

HOLOVIS TEAMS UP WITH D-BOX TO LAUNCH THE DESCENT

BY GABRIELLE

Holovis, specialists in the creation of immersive and mixed experimental design, has partnered with D-Box, manufacturers of motion systems, to bring the next generation of highly precise, dynamic motion into the flight simulation experience.

The Descent is a multisensory, fully immersive, adrenaline-pumped virtually reality experience, which takes visitors on a journey where through a cave system infested by creatures as they battle for survival.

The VR experience combines cinematic effects, real-life gaming, 3D soundscapes and immersive audio triggered events, to ensure each experience is unique from the next, as guests reach further into the caves.

Four D-Box Actuators create 1.5 inches of heave on the standing motion platform, helping to propel guests into thrilling encounters with terrifying creatures as they make their way through the cave.

Holovis decided to team up with D-Box on the project, as the innovative company can generate more than 65,000 different motion cues, including movements, textures and vibrations, designed to enhance the realism of the experience.

As Peter Cliff, creative director of Holovis, explains: “We have long been championing fully multisensory, connected experiences that go beyond just the visuals to include advanced sound design, integrated SFX and precise synchronised motion. Working alongside D-BOX to harness its motion capability we are further advancing this experiential layer of storytelling with a solution that is scalable from e-ticket attractions through to these next generation attractions that are now accessible to FECs and more compact entertainment spaces.”

Yannick Gemme, sales vice president at D-BOX, commented: “Our motion system stems from decades of simulation engineering in dynamic fields such as flight simulation, construction equipment simulation, cinematic entertainment and racing simulation. We consistently apply the very same level of engineering precision to deliver the highest level of immersiveness in all types of applications in the attractions industry.

“The system also presents clients with a low total cost of ownership, as the operation of a D-BOX powered attraction requires little to no maintenance. Its seamless integration ensures that attraction remains user friendly all while requiring minimal training and knowledge for operators,” Gemme added.

The Descent is being showcased at EAG Expo at Booth 355, which is running from the 14 – 16 January, 2020.

EVENTS AND AMUSEMENTS EXPO TOKYO 2020

BY GABRIELLE

Japan’s leading business-to-business exhibition is to hold its 7th annual trade show over three days at the end of the first week of February. The Events and Amusement Expo 2020 will take place in Tokyo from the 5th to the 7th and will feature 650 exhibitors with around 30,000 visitors expected to attend.

There is great excitement within the industry as the expo has been widely selected by most leading companies in the sector as the primary location to gather and exhibit new technologies and exchange ideas for the future of the attractions and entertainment industries.

This latest edition of the Japanese expo will include a new ‘Amusement World’ zone which will provide exhibitors with a lot more space to showcase their innovations and network with their industry fellows.

The expo has been marketed as the single most important event for companies seeking to enter the Japanese attractions market, partly due to the Olympic Games being hosted by Tokyo in the summer of 2020. This powerful spike in general interest in Japan has led to significant growth in the Japanese attractions sector.

Exhibitors will showcase new equipment and tools such as tents and trusses as well as theme park rides and playground equipment. There will be numerous design and decoration specialists, plus event items production, event marketing and security solutions. There will also be numerous performing artists and entertainers to make the event a special occasion for all who attend.

URBAN AIR BRINGING INDOOR TRAMPOLINES TO MARYLAND

BY GABRIELLE

A family-friendly indoor trampoline and entertainment centre is on its way to Frederick, Maryland. The new Urban Air Adventure Park will feature fun activities such as trampolining, rock climbing and dodgeball.

The location will be on Frederick’s Ballenger Creek and should attract visitors from all over the state from surrounding areas like Urbana, Clarksburg, Germantown, Walkersville and Thurmont.

Urban Air’s founder and Chief Executive Officer, Michael Browning, was excited by the new facility and what it could do for families in the area. He said: “We know families are looking for ways to spend time together, and the more active the experience, the more memorable. Parents want their kids off their phones giving them less ‘screen time,’ and more time to play and engage with other kids their age the old-fashioned way.”

As well as wall-to-wall trampolines, rock-climbing walls and dodgeball courts, the activity centre will feature obstacle courses and playgrounds with climbing ropes and twisting tubes. The Urban Air Adventure Hub will also include Urban Air’s Sky Rider Indoor Coaster as well as a huge inflatable landing pad called the Drop Zone positioned beneath a series of trampolines.

Other fun activities visitors can enjoy include the trampoline-assisted Slam Dunk Zone, the Urban Warrior assault course and a Battle Beam to thrash out all those family disputes.