PRODUCT NEWS
|
Simworx announces acquisition of RoboCoaster |
|
20 Jul 2015 . BY Alice Davis |
|
|
|
|
|
UK-based Simworx acquires RoboCoaster |
|
Dynamic simulation attractions maker Simworx said it has acquired RoboCoaster, a UK-based robotic attractions specialist, after receiving £4.5m (US$7m, €6.5m) in investment from the Business Growth Fund (BGF).
"I am delighted to formalise our working relationship with RoboCoaster who have access to some amazing technology" said Terry Monkton, Simworx managing director. The two companies have been working in partnership for the past two years.
Simworx and RoboCoaster plan to together focus on the design and manufacture of a next generation of dark ride and robotic attractions, adding to their existing portfolios.
This includes, for Simworx, Angry Birds 4D at Thorpe Park in the UK and a dinosaur-themed immersive tunnel at Movie Park in Germany. Most recently, Simworx built the bus-themed motion simulator central to Merlin Entertainment’s newly opened Shrek attraction in London.
RoboCoaster will continue to develop intellectual property (IP) for use in passenger -carrying robotic technology and trackless dark rides. Managing director Gino DeGol will retain his position.
"The RoboCoaster mission has always been to pioneer new technologies in the field of entertainment and we have now amassed a significant bank of IP and knowhow for new applications," said DeGOl. "I very much look forward to bringing all of our next generation technologies to market."
Investment partner BGF, backed by capital of up to £2.5bn (US$3.9bn, €3.6bn), said it was keen to support the takeover of two companies who support local business and are simultaneously global innovators.
Simworx plans to use the remaining equity to double the size of its West Midlands production plant and facilities, and hire up to 20 more staff.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PRODUCT NEWS |
|
Maurer Rides introduces Spike Waterfight |
|
Rollercoaster and ride designer and manufacturer Maurer Rides has announced its latest
concept, the Spike Waterfight, which allows spectators and rollercoaster riders to soak one
another with water cannons.
|
|
Triotech launches new dark ride Primordial |
|
Media based attractions creator Triotech has announced the opening of its latest
attraction, a next generation interactive dark coaster installed at Lagoon Park in Salt
Lake City, Utah, US. |
|
Small Footprint, Big Significance: Studio City Water Park |
|
Long known for its fancy casinos, Macau realized within the past decade that it must
diversify its tourism scene to attract new crowds. With the ambition of becoming the
leisure hub of China’s 72-million strong Greater Bay Area, the city began adding shows,
attractions, and family-friendly hotels. But the offering that truly stands out with fun
for everyone is Studio City Water Park – Macau’s first stand-alone water park, with all
the water slides and aquatic play structures supplied by WhiteWater. |
|
How surf simulators are transforming the experience economy |
|
The experience economy, driven by evolving consumer trends, is poised for continued growth
in the coming years. Millennials have been at the forefront of this shift, favouring
memorable experiences over material possessions. This preference has extended to other
generations as well, indicating a broader adoption of experience-focused spending habits
in the attractions sector. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
DIARY |
|
|