© Disney ”Sum of All Thrills”: A virtual coaster that takes us one step closer to the real thing.

Ever want the thrill of riding a coaster without strapping into one? Well, KUKA Robotics has brought you one step closer to your dream. Recently, Walt Disney World opened a new attraction in their theme park, Epcot. The attraction is called "Sum of All Thrills", featuring a technologically advanced robotic arm. Attached to the arm are two seats, encased in a cover for the virtual screens. One of the big things about the ride is that you get to design the layout yourself! Which means that you program how you want the arm to move and rotate.

To ride the attraction, like most great things in life, you must stand in line. Upon reaching the front, you make your way to the design lab, where you will begin (and end) your temporary career as a designer. You select from three choices: Bobsled, Rollercoaster, and Fighter Jet. After choosing, you begin to design the layout that the robotic arm will follow. You are allowed to set the speed, height, and elements of your experience. Once finished, you will need to watch a short video, and then wait for your turn on the robotic monster.

So, when the video finishes, you strap yourself into the virtual ride you created. The ride itself will consist of the exact layout you specified. HD monitors, surround sound systems, and even air vents to simulate wind are used to magnify your ride experience, making it feel as if you were riding your creation.

The magic behind the attraction is the robotic arm. “The KUKA RoboCoaster® programmable robotic ride system utilizes 6 axes and 6 degrees of total directional freedom with synchronized “under the hood” entertainment provides a thrilling experience like no other”, said the KUKA Robotics Corporation president, Stuart Shepherd. Using this arm system, who knows what we could do?

All we can be sure of is that we will be seeing this KUKA technology in our theme parks for years to come.