Robobike, a UK-based creator of immersive motorbike racing simulators for entertainment and leisure venues, is introducing a new motorbike-themed simcade platform designed to bring the thrill of physical racing into competitive socialising and commercial leisure venues.
Developed over three years of research, seven design iterations, and substantial investment in hardware, software, and gameplay, Robobike aims to provide a fully immersive entertainment experience rather than just mimic riding a motorcycle.
The company says the result is the first commercially available motorbike-themed attraction of its kind that it is aware of, combining responsive rider controls, advanced motion, environmental effects, photorealistic games and connected competition into a single venue-ready platform.
An immersive experience
From the start of a race, riders are immersed directly in the action. The bike responds to movements such as heave, pitch, and roll, while wind, haptic vibrations, sound, and triple-screen visuals combine to produce a dynamic, physical sensation. Players can sense the track's details beneath them, including turns, braking zones, terrain variations, impacts, and acceleration.
The system is engineered to keep riders engaged at all times. Its varied skill levels enable complete beginners, casual players, and experienced riders to enjoy the attraction. Additionally, diverse tracks, terrains, and bikes provide a wide-ranging experience suited for families, groups, competitive players, and thrill-seekers.
Robobike immerses riders in the action, with a bike that responds to movements such as heave, pitch, and roll, alongside wind, haptic vibrations, sound, and triple-screen visuals
Simon Fox, founder and CEO of Robobike, says: “From day one, our vision was never simply to build another simulator. It was to create a completely new form of immersive competitive entertainment.
“Robobike keeps riders fully involved from the moment the lights go green. You cannot sit back or ride it with one hand; you are part of every corner, every braking point and every overtake, with the motion platform, wind, haptics, sound and game all working together.
“We also wanted it to be inclusive. Whether someone has never sat on a motorbike before or has years of riding experience, different skill levels, bikes and terrains mean players of all ages and abilities can compete, have fun and want to come back for more.”
Bespoke games for a new attraction format
Games play a key role in the Robobike offering. Instead of using off-the-shelf titles, Robobike collaborated with expert developers to design high-quality, photorealistic games tailored specifically for its machines, controls, and motion platform.
The company says this customisation was crucial to achieving the desired level of immersion. Each game is developed to complement the physical ride experience, seamlessly integrating hardware, visuals, haptics, and environmental effects.
Quarterly game upgrades are planned to keep content fresh for venues, with new tracks, bikes, terrains and challenges, and future releases form part of the long-term roadmap.
Robobike has conducted extensive research on consumer behaviour and venue engagement. This has influenced the product's focus on dwell time, repeat visits, and competitive replay value, aiming to provide operators with an attraction that maintains interest beyond the initial ride.
The Robobike range features GPS, MX, and AXS models, each tailored for different rider types and venues.
The GPS bike offers an exhilarating, superbike-inspired racing experience, ideal for competitive social riding and luxury leisure environments. The MX model enables motocross-style rides across diverse terrains, providing energetic gameplay that appeals to riders of all ages, including families.
The AXS model is part of the broader platform designed to make the experience accessible to more users. Initially, Robobike will concentrate on launching the GPS and MX models, with additional products and content planned for future development.
Connected competition
A key feature of Robobike is its connected competition platform. It is designed so riders can compete locally within the same venue and, as the network expands, against participants in different locations in real time.
Operators can organise local time trials, tournaments, and leagues. Additionally, the platform will support larger-scale competitions across the Robobike network.
Martin Burlin, Robobike board member and former chairman of EAG, says: “The connected competition platform is one of the most exciting parts of Robobike. This is not just a single attraction sitting in a venue; it has the potential to become a live competitive network.
“For operators, that creates a very different proposition. Local competitions, leaderboards and future connected leagues give people a reason to return, improve and keep competing.”
Robobike was co-founded by Simon Fox, co-founder of the Hamilton Fraser Group, and Tom Clark, a Chartered Engineer with almost 30 years’ experience across aerospace, automotive, simulation and industrial engineering.
Clark has created over 40 custom simulators, including one of the most realistic full-scale Spitfire Mk IX cockpit simulators in the world, and has overseen the engineering of Robobike’s motion platform.
Robobike develops, engineers, manufactures, supplies, and supports all products from its UK facility. This allows the company to oversee the entire process, from production and installation to maintenance, software updates, and ongoing operator support.
The company also states that additional simulator updates, new game releases, and platform upgrades are underway as Robobike gears up for its initial commercial launch.
