In December 2000, RoboCoaster Ltd was founded with the goal of integrating robotic technology into the entertainment and leisure industry.[1] In the company's first year of operation, Gino Daniel De-Gol invented the concept of a robotic-arm-based
amusement ride.[2] In December 2001, a partnership with
German robotic arm manufacturer
KUKA saw the patenting and manufacturing of the initial Robocoaster G1 design.[1][2] In 2004, RoboCoaster partnered with
AMEC Dynamic Structures (now Dynamic Attractions) to develop the RoboCoaster G2 system, which utilises track-mounted KUKA arms.[3]
In 2015, The British Growth Fund invested £4.5M in a company called Simworx, a media based attraction manufacturer, allowing them to acquire RoboCoaster and boost their working capital as well as buying out their previous private equity investor.[5]
Ride systems
First and second generation RoboCoasters pictured at Epcot and Universal's Islands of Adventure
RoboCoaster G1 – the original RoboCoaster design, where pairs of riders are attached to a stationary KUKA arm. From 2014, four-seater vehicles from the G2 series will be offered in stationary form for smaller
family entertainment centers.[6]
RoboCoaster G2 – the second generation of robotic product, where four-seater KUKA robotic arms run along a two-dimensional track throughout a
show building. The track is designed by
Dynamic Attractions.[7]
RoboCoaster G3 – a conceptual third generation of the technology, where
trains of four-seater KUKA robotic arms run along a traditional three-dimensional
roller coaster track.[8]
Motion Theatre – a
flight simulator where rows of riders are elevated in front of a large dome screen.[11] The attraction is developed with
Dynamic Attractions, who has previously developed the ride system for the
Soarin' rides at Disney parks.[12][13]
HSA – high-speed amphibious vehicles developed with Gibbs Sport Amphibians Inc. of the United Kingdom.[14]
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ab"About Us". RoboCoaster Ltd. Retrieved 7 December 2013.
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abUS patent 6776722, Gino Daniel De-Gol, "Ride apparatus", published 17 August 2004, assigned to RoboCoaster Ltd and KUKA
^US patent 6871596, Gino Daniel De-Gol, "Moving means, particularly for amusement parks, fairs and the like", published 29 March 2005, assigned to RoboCoaster Ltd and KUKA