Discovering new ways to Experience Roller Coasters?

With theme parks battling to add evermore twists, turns and loop-the-loops to terrify amusement park attendants, researchers are also testing ways of adding an extra fear-factor with AUGMENTED REALITY!

These researchers are attaching Oculus Rift VR headset to riders heads to add to the adventure of being thrown and twirled around and about in mid air. With these headsets researchers are able to give the rider the feeling of being anywhere. They can feel as if they are being lifted off into space, riding on a dragon, or on a wild high speed chase. 

The Augmented Thrill Ride Project is the very first virtual reality ride on real roller coasters and hundreds of test rides were carried out in Germany's Europa-Park.For the test, coaster cars are rigged with laptops and cameras, and the wheels fitted with special electronics, setting the scene for a ride testers will never forget. The really cool part of this virtual ride is that it is meant to be interactive. One person is playing the game with controller in hand as the other sits and enjoys the thrill. 

passenger rider with his VR headset on 

control rider interacting with the game for effects 

here is a look at the potential experience to come....
 AR headset roller coaster expierience