Attractions on cruise ships continue to evolve. Miniature golf, rock-climbing walls, and water slides are now joined by ziplines, surfing simulators, roller coasters, and water coasters. Next comes a state-of-the-art robotic arm with passenger seats attached.
MSC Cruises’ new Seascape ship, sailing to the Caribbean and the Bahamas from Miami, features Robotron, a state-of-the-art robotic arm ride with an attached gondola.
Robotron, created by German robotics manufacturer Kuka, lifts three riders over a sunbathing deck and treats them to adventure as their seats twist and turn and drop and rise through a series of gyrations, including going upside down. Riders choose from three thrill levels, ranging from mild to wild. However, MSC wanted Robotron to be more than just a ride, so it approached Jack Rouse Associates (JRA) about making it a feast for the eyes—and ears—of riders and observers.
“Robotron turns music into motion,” says JRA Executive Vice President Mark Amos. “The attraction empowers guests to pick songs to electrify their fellow cruisegoers—both the on-board riders and off‑board wallflowers.”
Riders utilize a touchscreen to select tracks from a menu of popular music options. The three-passenger Kuka arm makes its dynamic motions in tune with the music, delivering the goal of creating a contemporary dance club experience, with aid from a giant video wall positioned behind the ride. JRA says most songs are popular hits from the past five years that
have “dynamic energy” and invite other passengers to dance along on the deck below, though there are also some nostalgic tracks. Additionally, attraction lighting is programmed to synchronize with the ride movements.
Designers and engineers worked together to create a structure for MSC’s Seascape to safely accommodate the extreme motions and weight shifts of Robotron. The ride system was coordinated between BEC Rides/Kuka and MSC, while JRA and third-party engineers integrated the experience into the Seascape’s design.
