WITTENSTEIN, a leader in mechanical and mechatronic servo drive systems, has announced that it will be showcasing a new drive solution for dark rides at this week’s IAAPA Expo Europe in Vienna, Austria. The trade show will be open from 26 – 28 September, and the team will be on hand to demonstrate the new product, which uses cutting-edge technology to better immerse passengers in animated scenarios.
The fact that the technology is mostly hidden from view adds to the wonder of these intricate rides. The immersion must not be disturbed by motors, cables, or sensors. However, a lot of moving parts work together in the background to make sure the performance runs smoothly. If the trains or automobiles are to transport passengers to far-off places, the proper drive technology is essential.
WITTENSTEIN developed the innovative cyber iTAS system 2 for the intralogistics industry. It enables cars to be transported safely, dependably, and silently with almost no maintenance needed. This drive system is currently becoming more and more popular in the dark ride market.
Simplicity, safety and compactness
The new drive system’s key features include simplicity, safety, and compactness. Its parts may therefore be easily hidden in the theming, freeing up additional room for the cars’ technological features. Additionally, the compact system design reduces the number of relays, contactors, and wires. Fewer components mean less risk of failure, and visitors to the attraction value the high safety and availability.
As the drives are very reliable and only require occasional upkeep, everyday park operations rarely need to be suspended. Except for the wheels, the whole system is maintenance-free. Even if the attraction stays open all year round, starting up the rides each morning does not take long.
Attraction operators benefit from rides with high vehicle density as well as shorter waiting times while continuing to meet even the strictest safety requirements. A high mechanical support load enables maximum traction per wheel and, consequently, a relatively short braking distance. Additionally, protective fields in front of safety scanners can be designed smaller, meaning that fewer safety stops are necessary and, ultimately, the vehicle frequency increases.
The use of two drive systems per dark ride vehicle results in a differential drive that generates a steering function via different speeds or directions of rotation for each wheel. The dynamic control of the WITTENSTEIN drive allows for maximum maneuverability and smooth slow speed, ensuring comfortable ride and making it ideal even on dark rides in a small footprint.
Attraction owners can improve their rides with a mix of maximum passenger safety, minimum maintenance requirements, and excellent dependability by utilising WITTENSTEIN’s cyber iTAS system 2 drive system. These are crucial elements, alongside the theming, that ultimately decide whether or not a dark ride turns into a memorable experience.
WITTENSTEIN will also be showcasing its Galaxie gearboxes, which mark a significant advancement towards the creation of more lifelike animatronics at amusement parks. To discover the firm’s latest innovations, visit the team on the show floor at booth #A-2633.
