Augmented Reality
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Getting to the next level: AR at theme and amusement parks
Dr. Raine Kajastila, founder and CEO of Valo Motion, explains why augmented reality works for the attractions industry
W
hile augmented reality (AR) has increased in popularity in recent years, the attractions industry has, so
far, been slow to adapt. However, there are many opportunities for theme and amusement parks to use this type of technology to enhance their visitors’ experiences A classic example of popular use of AR is Pokémon
Go, launched in 2016 for mobile devices. Since then, more and more users have become familiar with the use of AR elements in video games. AR is not to be confused with virtual reality (VR),
the main difference being that VR creates an entirely different world around its user, whereas AR elements – just as the name suggests – augment the user’s surroundings; the virtual environment is designed to coexist with the real environment. In addition, VR elements usually require the use of
VR headsets, whereas AR elements can be created using mobile devices, screens, or projectors. This makes AR optimal for theme and amusement parks. AR essentially gives players more freedom to move around, be active, and socialise, without having to worry about wearable technology. In turn, park employees can have more freedom as they do not have to provide visitors with instructions
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on how to use VR goggles, for example. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused staff shortages for theme and amusement parks, and attractions that do not require employee supervision can be extremely useful when it comes to engaging more visitors in the attractions.
THE MAGIC HAPPENS AROUND YOU Currently, the most widely used applications of AR elements at theme and amusement parks are created by the visitors using their mobile devices. AR makes it possible for parks to help guests immerse themselves into the theme. For example, when walking down a street, AR can be used to create a whole new world around the street, improving visitors’ experience at the park. Compared to VR, AR keeps the interaction with the
surroundings natural, because utilising AR is possible without any wearable technology, such as VR glasses, that may make the experience clumsy and impractical. For some, virtual reality elements can also cause motion sickness, which happens because there is a conflict between the motion inputs transmitted by the eyes and the fact that you are actually not moving. In addition, AR can be integrated with the theme park’s own mobile application, which allows different
themes to be offered to the visitors around the park. With updateable AR elements, theme park experiences can go a long way in keeping visitors entertained and interested in coming back. Mobile applications also make it possible for parks to notify their guests about new elements and experiences. However, mobile devices and applications aren’t necessarily needed to create a unique, novel AR experience.
ACTION-PACKED AR A more action packed use of AR is seen with BattleKart, operating in Belgium, Germany and France. It utilises AR elements in its electric go-kart games to resemble perhaps one of Nintendo’s most famous games, Mario Kart. With the help of AR, this game projects things like virtual patches of oil onto the track, and driving through the oil patches will slow down the car. Similar concepts can be developed for traditional bumper car attractions. The Mario Kart attraction at Super Nintendo World in Japan also utilises AR elements with the help of AR goggles. No matter the implementation or device, AR
elements are bringing new life to amusement and theme parks, enabling the use of different kinds of spaces. In addition, in this fast-paced world where
SUMMER PART 2 2022
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