In a giant dome-shaped tent in the French ski resort of Les2Alpes, a KUKA Robocoaster for 4D simulations is providing sports fun and education of a special kind. The KUKA 4D Simulator is a closable two-seater capsule, fastened to a robot arm that can move in six axes or degrees of freedom (6DOF). Inside the capsule, the passengers can experience thrilling simulations of skiing - or of thundering avalanches - on a 20" LCD flat-screen monitor.

Can you imagine what it is like to be buried in an avalanche? No? Then it is high time you made your way to France to broaden your horizons - without endangering life and limb. In a giant dome-shaped tent in the French ski resort of Les2Alpes, KUKA Roboter is providing winter sports fun and education of a special kind: with the KUKA Robocoaster as the “RoboSim” 4D simulator.

For years, the KUKA Robocoaster has enjoyed success as the world’s only passenger-carrying robot. It has been providing fun and excitement in entertainment parks for people of all ages. It is now available in a new form for ski fans and those in search of adventure. Equipped with a “4D Simulator”, it is transformed into a virtual ride that functions as follows:

The fourth dimension

The KUKA 4D Simulator is a closable two-seater capsule, fastened to a robot arm that can move in six axes or degrees of freedom (6DOF). Inside the capsule, the passengers can experience a simulation, e.g. of skiing, on a 20" LCD flat-screen monitor. For added authenticity, the system has a ventilator that can be used to generate wind effects, such as airstreams. This feature constitutes the fourth dimension.

Fun on the piste for adventurers

In France, “RoboSim” is creating a special kind of adventure: the simulation enables you not only to enjoy a downhill run on the ski slopes, but also to experience first hand what it is like to get caught in an avalanche. Image, sound and wind effects generated during the run are simulated in the capsule. Human perception is enhanced by the synchronized motions of the robot arm, which whirls the passengers through the air in a radius of seven meters. An unforgettably realistic experience that guarantees a rush of adrenalin. There is, however, one respect in which it differs from reality: the engulfed are rescued after just two minutes. The reaction of the passengers in the capsule can be observed by means of a camera and microphone.

This unusual skiing experience is the brainchild of Marc Dode, a French businessman who has a great deal of fun successfully operating the experience tent and the KUKA Robocoaster. In addition to the exciting snow experience, the edutainment concept in the dome also offers visitors an avalanche exhibition and film footage from the French snow and avalanche research society.

The project took three months from development, in which KUKA Roboter was assisted by the German Aerospace Center (DLR), to market-readiness. This new version of the KUKA Robocoaster has been tested by the TÜV technical inspectorate and cleared for series production. Other systems have already been sold and are awaiting imminent delivery.

About the KUKA Robot Group

KUKA Roboter GmbH, Augsburg, is a KUKA Aktiengesellschaft company and ranks among the world’s leading suppliers of industrial robots. Core competencies are the development, production and sale of industrial robots, controllers, software and linear units. The company is the market leader in Germany and Europe, and the number three in the world. The KUKA Robot Group employs about 2,000 people worldwide. Of these, 1,200 are employed in Germany, either at the KUKA Robot Group headquarters in Augsburg, or at various subsidiaries. In 2007, sales totaled 413 million euro. 25 subsidiaries provide a presence in the major markets of Europe, America and Asia.