'Sum of all Thrills' DIY coaster opens at Epcot

The Sum of all Thrills simulated roller coaster has opened at Epcot in Walt Disney World. The ride, designed by Raytheon and Walt Disney Imagineering, is something of a do-it-yourself interactive experience that allows guest to design their own digital roller coaster and then experience the creation in a robotic simulator. Before entering the ride, guests will create their own roller coaster using a multi-touch table capable of object recognition. This means that guests can use real-world objects like rulers and speed dials to aid in the creation of their perfect roller coaster. Once the design is locked down, the information is saved to a scannable card that is swiped at the "launch station" and could conceivably be used again and again.

Now, most of you have probably seen something similar to this in various arcades and amusement parks. The difference here is that the robotic simulator used is generations beyond the run-of-the-mill simulators used elsewhere. Where older simulators require air pressure or robotic pistons with a limited range of motion, the robotic simulator used in Sum of all Thrills utilizes a newly developed robotic arm with a much wider range of motion and faster maneuverability. This new technology should allow for a far more realistic roller coaster experience.

The attraction is available now at Innoventions in Epcot. Click through for more information on this high-tech ride.

[Images via Disney Parks Blog]