Beaudry Interactive (B/I), an experiential design and production studio specialising in themed entertainment, museums, exhibitions, live shows, and branded experiences, believes that innovation often ignites from a simple spark - a curious question, a bold "What if...?" or a playful "Why don’t we try this?".
Sometimes, a spark comes from a client’s challenges. Other times, it’s the thrill of exploring new technology. Occasionally, a casual studio chat grows into a larger project. What begins as creative experimentation, or a one-time idea, can evolve into powerful software and hardware tools. These go beyond a single concept and can provide long-term value in the industry.
B/I's real-time ball tracking system, designed to detect and track any ball indoors, exemplifies this.
The project started with a straightforward challenge and a curious team exploring possibilities. Atomic Golf’s Putting District concept aimed to develop a ball-tracking system capable of monitoring and identifying a standard, untagged golf ball indoors in real-time over an unknown-sized putting area.
The system needed to operate with near-zero latency, precisely locate and identify the ball within a fraction of an inch, and avoid the use of special markers, embedded technology, or custom equipment. It relied solely on commercial golf balls and a bold vision. Additionally, the team sought to project map directly onto the turf and the balls in real time.
Challenge accepted
What B/I created to address that challenge evolved into something much larger: a resilient, real-time ball tracking system adaptable to various environments and uses. The final configuration features a smartly engineered overhead camera array, a collection of innovative computer vision methods to detect the balls, and extensive math and logic to integrate everything.
While the technology is advanced, the main focus remains on delivering fun.
Bobak Mostaghasi, Owner & CEO of Atomic Golf, says:
“We wanted to create something that brings people together in a way golf never has before. You can grab a drink, order food, and play right from your bay with friends. The games are projection-mapped onto the mat, blending cutting-edge tech with interactive play for a completely new twist on mini golf.
"The Putting District is social, fast-paced, and unlike anything else out there."
For the debut launch of Atomic Golf in Las Vegas in March 2024, B/I created three original games that redefine the classic putting experience. Designed for players of all ages and skill levels, these games turn the putting bay into a lively, interactive space where guests compete by targeting digital targets instead of simply sinking balls into cups.
Whether aiming for high-value markers or adding a bit of mischief by targeting existing balls on the green, players enjoy a fast-paced, social, and visually captivating experience that combines skill, strategy, and fun in new ways.
“Projects like this are why we love what we do,” says David Beaudry, founder and principal at Beaudry Interactive.
“At B/I, we’re endlessly curious, constantly asking the ‘what if?’ questions, and every so often having those questions turn into magic. Our computer vision tools were born in live shows and themed entertainment, so getting to use that know-how to turn a putting bay into a giant, projection-mapped playground?
"That’s the kind of challenge we live for.”
Guests don’t notice the technology behind it all. Instead, they experience pure magic through highly interactive, projection-mapped games where real-world objects—such as golf balls, hockey pucks, soccer balls, shuffleboard pucks, or even unexpected items—serve as the controllers for fast-paced, immersive play.
Social gaming and more
The technology also has uses beyond social gaming. When The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia asked Beaudry Interactive to improve its gravity well for the new Wondrous Space gallery, B/I used advanced ball-tracking technology to develop a unique interactive exhibit.
This installation captivates visitors and promotes longer engagement while subtly teaching about black holes. By leveraging the same real-time object-tracking system used in their ball games, B/I turned a traditional museum experience into something new, fun, and highly engaging.
Beaudry Interactive envisions a promising future for its ball-tracking technology, particularly amid rising demand for immersive, social, and interactive gaming in the experiential market.
As entertainment venues, from family attractions to pop-up events and brand activations, strive to deliver distinctive, high-impact experiences for increasingly selective audiences, such technologies become crucial differentiators.
Beaudry Interactive also recently shared how it is helping clients develop distinctive, reliable, and cost-effective interactive experiences using its Adaptive Interactives framework.
This approach combines the benefits of both bespoke development and proven off-the-shelf products to create a stable, scalable and budget-friendly experience that fully reflects the client's mission and story.
The team will be exhibiting at IAAPA Expo 2025, which is taking place in Orlando from 17 to 21 November.
