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]

Background and history

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 (meters)VR optional?OpeningRoller coaster manufacturerVR developerParkCountryCity, regionNote
Galaxie ExpressGalaxie ExpressPowered Coaster499February 2004Mack RidesBremen, BremenTest concept of a "virtual reality" coaster.
Alpenexpress CoastialityAlpenexpress Enzian[26]Powered Coaster1:402645/19 VR-Rows2015-09-17[27]Mack RidesMackMedia and VR Coaster[28]Europa-ParkRust, Baden-Württemberg
Thunder Run VRThunder Run[29]Powered Coaster1:24330.12015-10-03Mack RidesVR CoasterCanada's WonderlandVaughan, Ontario
VR CoasterFreedom Flyer[30]Suspended Family Coaster1:003952015-11-16VekomaVR CoasterFun Spot AmericaOrlando, FloridaVR Demonstration at IAAPA 2015
Universal Studios Japan XR RidesSpace Fantasy: The Ride[31]Spinning Coaster2:355852016-01-14[32][33]Mack RidesVR CoasterUniversal Studios JapanOsaka, OsakaJapan's first rollercoaster fully dedicated to Virtual Reality
Galactic Attack Virtual Reality CoasterShock WaveSit-Down Coaster2:001097.32016-03-10SchwarzkopfVR CoasterSix Flags Over TexasArlington, Texas
Galactic Attack Virtual Reality CoasterDare Devil DiveSit-Down Coaster639.82016-03-12Gerstlauer Amusement RidesVR CoasterSix Flags Over GeorgiaAustell, Georgia
Pegasus CoastialityPegasusYoungstar Coaster1:304004/10 VR-Rows2016-03-17Mack RidesAmbient Entertainment, VR Coaster and MackMediaEuropa-ParkRust, Baden-Württemberg
Dinolino's VR-RideFamilienachterbahnSit-Down Coaster1:252222016-03-19[34]ZiererVR CoasterErlebnispark Schloss ThurnHeroldsbach, Bayern
GalacticaAir[35]Flying Coaster1:408402016-03-24Bolliger & MabillardFigment ProductionsAlton Towers ResortAlton, Staffordshire Moorlands
Galactic Attack Virtual Reality CoasterNew RevolutionSit-Down Coaster2:121053.72016-03-25SchwarzkopfVR CoasterSix Flags Magic MountainValencia, California
Mount Mara[36]RevolutionSit-Down Coaster2:207202016-03-26VekomaVR CoasterBobbejaanlandLichtaart, Antwerp
Linnunrata eXtra[37]LinnunrataSit-Down Coaster0:503602016-05-01ZiererVR CoasterLinnanmäkiHelsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
The New Revolution Virtual Reality CoasterGoliathHyper Coaster12312016-05-19Bolliger & MabillardVR CoasterLa RondeMontréal, Québec
Iron DragonIron DragonSuspended Coaster2:008532016-05-24Arrow DynamicsVR CoasterCedar PointSandusky, Ohio
Galactic Attack Virtual Reality CoasterNinjaSit-Down Coaster2:00740.72016-05-24VekomaVR CoasterSix Flags St. LouisEureka, Missouri
SUPERMAN Ride of Steel Virtual Reality CoasterSuperman - Ride of SteelMega Coaster2:101630.72016-06-08Intamin Amusement RidesVR CoasterSix Flags AmericaUpper Marlboro, Maryland
SUPERMAN Krypton Coaster Virtual Reality CoasterSuperman Krypton CoasterFloorless Coaster2:351226.82016-06-08Bolliger & MabillardVR CoasterSix Flags Fiesta TexasSan Antonio, Texas
SUPERMAN The Ride Virtual Reality CoasterSuperman the RideMega Coaster2:351645.92016-06-09Intamin Amusement RidesVR CoasterSix Flags New EnglandAgawam, Massachusetts
The New Revolution Virtual Reality CoasterSteamin' DemonSit-Down Coaster0:37477June 20, 2016Arrow DynamicsVR CoasterGreat EscapeQueensbury, New York
Olandese VolanteOlandese VolanteMine Train2.30681June 25, 2016VekomaMoviemex3DRainbow Magic LandValmontone (Rome)First Italian VR Coaster
Rage of the Gargoyles: Virtual Reality CoasterDemonSit-Down Coaster1:45649August 10, 2016Arrow DynamicsVR CoasterSix Flags Great AmericaGurnee, Illinois
Rage of the Gargoyles: Virtual Reality CoasterSkull MountainSit-Down Coaster1:24420September 20, 2016Intamin Amusement RidesVR CoasterSix Flags Great AdventureJackson, New Jersey
Rage of the Gargoyles: Virtual Reality CoasterKongSuspended Looping Coaster1:36689September 22, 2016VekomaVR CoasterSix Flags Discovery KingdomVallejo, California
Rage of the Gargoyles: Virtual Reality CoasterShock WaveSit-Down Coaster2:001097.3SchwarzkopfVR CoasterSix Flags Over TexasArlington, Texas
Rage of the Gargoyles: Virtual Reality CoasterNinjaSit-Down Coaster2:00740.7VekomaVR CoasterSix Flags St. LouisEureka, Missouri
Rage of the Gargoyles: Virtual Reality CoasterDare Devil DiveSit-Down Coaster639.8Gerstlauer Amusement RidesVR CoasterSix Flags Over GeorgiaAustell, Georgia
Rage of the Gargoyles: Virtual Reality CoasterGoliathHyper Coaster1231Bolliger & MabillardVR CoasterLa RondeMontréal, Québec
Freedom Flyer 2.0Freedom Flyer[30]Suspended Family Coaster1:003952016-11-16VekomaVR CoasterFun Spot AmericaOrlando, Florida
Santa's Wild Sleigh RideThe New RevolutionSit-Down Coaster2:121053.72016-11-19SchwarzkopfVR CoasterSix Flags Magic MountainValencia, CaliforniaChristmas Special
SHAMANMagic Mountain (roller coaster)Sit-Down Coaster2:007002017VekomaFigment ProductionsGardalandCastelnuovo del Garda, Veneto
Arkham AsylumArkham Asylum – Shock TherapySuspended Looping Coaster1:427652016-17VekomaVR CoasterWarner Bros. Movie WorldGold Coast, Queensland
Evangelion XR RideSpace Fantasy - The RideSit-Down Coaster585January 13, 2017Mack RidesVR CoasterUniversal Studios JapanOsaka, OsakaThis ride is a part of the "Universal Cool Japan 2017" event, concluded on June 25, 2017.
Dæmonen Virtual RealityDæmonenFloorless Coaster1:46564April 6, 2017Bolliger & MabillardVR CoasterTivoli GardensCopenhagen
Tren de la Mina VR CoasterTren de la MinaSit-Down Coaster1:46564May 20, 2017Gerstlauer Amusement Rides GmbHVR CoasterParque de Atracciones de MadridMadrid
Astral VisionWindstarZFamily Rides2:01480March, 2017ZamperlaAstral VisionLuna ParkNew York
Master Thai VR CoasterMaster ThaiSit-Down Coaster2:10May 20, 2017Preston & BarbieriVR CoasterMirabilandiaSavio
Titan VR CoasterTitanSit-Down Coaster1:20823January 14, 2017Sansei TechnologiesVR CoasterSelva MágicaGuadalajara
Galactic Attack: Mind Eraser Virtual Reality CoasterMind EraserSuspended Looping Coaster1:36689May 20, 2017VekomaVR CoasterSix Flags New EnglandAgawam
Galactic Attack: Mind Eraser Virtual Reality CoasterMind EraserSuspended Looping Coaster1:36689May 20, 2017VekomaVR CoasterSix Flags AmericaUpper Marlboro
Joyride Virtual Reality CoasterJoyrideSit-Down Coaster1:15280May 20, 2017L&T SystemsVR CoasterPowerlandKauhava
French Revolution 2.0 VRFrench RevolutionSit-Down Coaster1:45November 26, 2016VekomaVR CoasterLotte WorldSeoul
Batman: Arkham Asylum VR CoasterBatman: Arkham AsylumInverted Coaster1:20823May 20, 2017Bolliger & MabillardVR CoasterParque Warner MadridMadrid
Steampunk HuntersWestern-ExpressenSit-Down Coaster1:15335April 22, 2017[38]VekomaVR CoasterTusenfrydVinterbro, Akershus
GletscherblitzGletscherblitzPowered CoasterMarch 24, 2018Mack RidesVR CoasterSteinwasen ParkOberried, Baden-Württemberg
Dream Catcher VRDream CatcherSwinging Turns2:44600June 23, 2018VekomaVR CoasterBobbejaanlandLichtaart, Antwerp
Eurosat CoastialityEurosat - CanCan CoasterIndoor roller coaster3:20900September 13, 2018Mack RidesMackMedia and VR CoasterEuropa-ParkRust, 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.
Den Hemmelige VerdenViktor VandormSit-Down Coaster7502018ZiererVR CoasterBonBon-LandHolme-Olstrup, Sjælland
Virtual ExpressTibidabo ExpressPowered Coaster2017ZamperlaVR CoasterTibidaboBarcelonaSimilar film about "Schloss Balthasar" as at Europa-Park
Crazy BatsCrazy BatsEnclosed roller coaster4:001300June 25, 2019VekomaAmbient EntertainmentPhantasialandBrühlFilm about the three bats from the German film Monster Family
Wilde MausWilde Maus XXLWild Mouse2:30585Mack RidesVR CoasterTraveling
VR Rollercoaster (高空VR过山车)VR Rollercoaster (高空VR过山车)[39]Junior Coaster3201996VekomaOriental Pearl TowerShanghai
Hurricane 360Hurricane 360 VRYoungstar Coaster2:11400Mack RidesAmbient Entertainment, DOF Robotics, VR Coaster and MackMediaChimelong ParadiseGuangzhouThe same film which has formerly been used at Pegasus at Europa-Park

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