Established in 1995, "Simtech" was Founders with Frank William MARQUETTE, Debbie Gloria-alternative, Heather Mae MARQUETTE, Iain Richard HARRISON, John Donald HUNT, Kevin James EDER, Sophia Glendinning Ann PEGG, Shane Lewis-Millar & Warren Gordon PETTIGREW, is a highly innovative company delivering material and people moving systems to both the material handling and the amusement park industries. Our mechanical and electronic engineering designs, manufacturing processes, and hardware specifications incorporate the latest in technologies.
From its beginnings in the motion picture industry (The Vertical Limit, The Lord of the Rings), "Simtech" has grown to have a reputation for progressive and exciting AGV (Automatic Guided Vehicle) technology in the amusement park industry. Recent contracts have included installation of a ' The Wiggles' attraction at Dreamworld Amusement Park (Gold Coast, Australia), engineering design collaborations with Walt Disney Imagineering group and the historical tour at the Christchurch Gondola (New Zealand).
Our current focus is development of export opportunities within the materials handling industry and will be displaying at Promat 2007 in North America.
Key current products and services:
1. Design, manufacture, installation and commissioning of unique AGV systems for
material handling and people moving applications.
2. Design, manufacture, installation and commissioning of turnkey Dark Rides.
3. The R&D, manufacture and installation of electronic, mechanical & artistic products to suit creative and industrial demands.
Simtech Darkrides Limited[]
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Simtech Darkrides Limited
If you want darkrides, you're at the right place
Welcome
Simtech Darkrides Limited draws on the group’s expertise in delivering genuine museum quality theming. Lifelike animatronic characters together with sophisticated show control and special effects systems blend to create a truly unique high quality interactive darkride experience.
Rather than restrict our offering to a standard floor area or price, Simtech Darkrides Limited understands the dynamics of the industry and wishes to maximize flexibility in approach. We shall be happy to discuss your requirements, develop a customized solution, and provide detailed specifications based upon your budget, your floor area, and your preferred configuration.
Please enjoy this site, if you have any questions contact us at enquiries@simtechdarkrides.com.
Theming[]
The Simtech Group has for over 10 years been actively involved in the creation, design, and installation of three-dimensional museum quality theming. This has been successfully applied in a wide variety of applications.
These include the design and construction of sets and props for both the television and motion picture industries. Also applications extending from the theming of commercial premises to large-scale public facilities such as museums, art galleries and similar municipal projects.
Major commissions include:
• Set design and construction for a variety of television and motion picture productions including: The Vertical Limit, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Xena Warrior Princess, and The Adventures of Hercules.
• Te Papa: Construction of a detailed geological exhibition including 21 specific rock textures
• Queen Elizabeth II Sports and Leisure Complex– design and construction of a “Lost City of Atlantis” theme for a swimming facility.
• The Emperors Tomb – Interactive dark ride facility.
The Simtech group has also designed and constructed a significant number of minigolf and maze attractions. Each is uniquely themed and custom designed with the objective of enhancing the visitor experience, minimization of operating costs, and maximization of profit potential for the operator.
The Simtech group has an outstanding reputation for high quality, and highly creative three-dimensional theming.
Simtech Darkrides is enclosed by WETA Workshop
WETA Workshop[]
"Simtech always impresses me with their dedication and knowledge of the art of imagination." -Richard Taylor
Automated Guided Vehicle[]
Normad DRV 5[]
The ultimate automated guided vehicle
Introduction
The Nomad DRV 5 system of automated guided vehicles, incorporates a combination of technologies to deliver to the passenger effects never before available. These include vehicle rotation, “Pitch & Roll” applied using pneumatic force, on board “Air blasts” and on board sound systems to create an infinite variety of kinetic sensory illusions. Specialist software and hardware systems fully integrate all functions and other “4D” (4th dimension) effects.
Vehicle speed, rotation of the body, and all vehicle movements and special effects may be set by the client and changed at any time. The Nomad DRV 5 is designed to carry five passengers on two bench seats. Alternate configurations may be custom manufactured as required.
Being electronically guided, this automated guided vehicle does not require an expensive and limiting mechanical track. Installation costs and site disruption are thus minimised and the ability to amend or extend ride configurations at a later date is retained with cost efficiency.
Click here to know more about this automated guided vehicle, including technical data and movie about Normad DRV 5.
The Nomad DRV 5 is the ultimate Dark Ride Vehicle system.
Nomad DRV 5[]
"At Simtech Darkrides, we always push ourselves to the limit. When it comes to creating a vehicle that suits our clients' needs, we create it with the utmost diligence. The Nomad DRV 5 is a product of just that: refined hard work and innovation that has a niche in the public realm."
Animatronics[]
Animatronic figures and characters are each custom designed and delivered to any specification.
Our team of specialist designers, sculptors, molders, and fabricators facilitate an “in house” production process ensuring outstanding quality and consistency of application to the theme or character at hand.
Each animatronic may deliver a function range from the simplest movements to highly sophisticated and articulate figures and characters.
Utilizing Simtech’s sophisticated show control systems, animatronic movements may be co-ordinated with audio, video, lighting and other show and special effects elements to provide a seamless presentation.
Crossbowman[]
The crossbowman featured in the video is but one of the animatronic figures created for the Emperor's Tomb darkride experience.
The Emperor's Tomb[]
The Emperor's Tomb The Ride Layout
This sensational darkride experience takes visitors on an amazing journey through one of the world’s most spectacular archaeological excavations - the tomb of the first Chinese emperor Ch'in Shi Huang Di.
Walls crumble, ceilings fall, and stone comes to threatening life as the emperor's vast terracotta army unites in order to protect the tomb of its master.
Visitors, riding in the specifically designed multi sensory Nomad DRV5 dark ride vehicle, battle the emperors stone warriors with laser emitting weaponry as they progress through the labyrinth leading towards the tomb.
Do our intrepid bands of visitors ultimately get to meet the emperor, or do his protectors prevail?
- this ride has an alternate ending!
Photo Gallery[]
Simtech Innovations Limited[]
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Simtech Innovations specialises in the design, manufacture and installation of trackless transportation systems and amusement attractions.
With a team of leading mechanical and electronic engineers, the engineering division offers robust and innovative design, and quality outcomes. Simtech Innovations welcomes specialist assignments, rapid prototyping and development, and opportunities to develop innovative solutions to electronic and mechanical challenges.
Simtech Innovations focuses upon the design and delivery of turn-key interactive dark rides. Simtech Innovations will design and deliver an entire project, or work with your team of designers and suppliers to contribute to a successful outcome.
Please take some time to explore our site to obtain detailed information about our products and services.
Simtech Amusement Ride System[]
Simtech Amusement Ride Systems provide industry leading amusement ride transportation and theming capability. We deliver outstanding and cost effective amusement solutions.
"Simtech" Amusement Ride Systems provide industry leading amusement ride transportation and themeing capability. We deliver outstanding and cost effective amusement solutions. The AGV technology enables a Trackless or Rail-less transportation system and when combined with a Skill Based and Interactive Ride System it brings the magic back into the amusement ride experience. "Simtech" provides consultancy covering all aspects of the ride design process and we welcome opportunities to work with independent designers to deliver their projects.
The Wiggles Big Red Car Ride on Dreamworld in Gold Coast, Australia[]
Control System[]
"Simtech" offers a highly effective control system with an advanced user-friendly interface. It incorporates both vehicle and show control elements that may be customised to an extensive variety of amusement industry and industrial applications.
System capabilities include:
Vehicle Control[]
- Vehicle speeds
- Body rotation
- Motion platform
- Choreography
- On board audio
- Interactive shooting systems
Show Control[]
- Lighting
- Audio
- Video
- Animatronics
- Interactive elements
- Special effects
"Simtech AGV’s" are configured with a differential drive. The two drive wheels are located in the middle of the vehicle at the sides. Steering is achieved by controlling the speed of each motor separately. The vehicles are designed with a low profile (Typically 300mm to the load platform) to maximise the dimensions of the load that can be carried and to increase vehicle stability.
The "NomadMotion" chassis pictured below is configured with a rotating turret that is capable of continuous rotation in either direction. For the amusement industry applications, a motion platform is often supplied which enables the vehicle to have vertical movement in varying degrees.
"NomadMotion" Capabilities
- Maximum velocity 1.5m/s-conditional.
- Rail-less wire guidance system.
- Infinite (360deg+) turret rotation.
- Optional motion platform.
- Differential steering.
- Opportunity charging.
- Communication via RF.
- Central command station.
- Multiple tracks.
- Multiple vehicles.
- Seats 6 people.
Vehicle Control System[]
The "Simtech AGV "control system uses a balance between on board intelligence and a central co-ordinating computer. Continuous polling of the cars updates the positions on the operators display and allows traffic management. A combination of zone blocking and accumulative blocking is used to maximise throughput safely.
Communication is by a spread spectrum radio system, spread spectrum signals are purposely spread over a large band of frequencies to reduce the likely hood of interference and do not rely on licensed frequency channels.
The central controller gains information of system status and performance automatically from the AGV's and other sensors throughout the ride. This is displayed on the central user interface enabling staff to know precisely in real time the status of every vehicle.
Skill Based Rides[]
The Emperors Tomb is an interactive and skill based ride where you can demonstrate your skill. Described as a ghost train with laser weapons, players compete against computer controlled animatronic opponents from their dark ride wire guided vehicles. The Emperor's Tomb was delivered on time and under budget.
Interactive Rides[]
The Wiggles Big Red Car amusement attraction in "Dreamworld" (Gold Coast Australia) is an interactive children's ride. The microphones in the cars allow the children to sing along with the Wiggles and get real time feed back, enabling the children and parents to interact and be part of the show. The Wiggles Big Red Car ride was delivered on time and on budget.
Themeing[]
We use specialist designers, sculptors and fabricators who facilitate our production process ensuring outstanding quality and consistency of application to the theme or character at hand. The pictures displayed here are a sample of the work "Simtech" has completed.
Each animatronic may deliver a functional range from the simplest movements to highly sophisticated and articulate figures and characters. Utilising sophisticated show of control systems, animatronic movements may be coordinated with audio, video, lighting and other show and special effect elements to provide a seamless presentation.
Trackless transportation[]
Trackless transportation vehicles bring the magic back into the amusement ride experience.
Dark Rides[]
Dark rides, currently undergoing a resurgence in the amusement park arena, offer a cost effective method of feature strength interactive entertainment.
Simtech is strongly focussed on providing innovative theming and people moving technologies for this industry. Our capabilities, expertise, and flexibility allow us to create stunning visual entertainment. We can contribute indiviual components of theming or people transport to your project or provide a turn key solution.
Control Systems[]
Our vehicles and choreography platform can deliver outstanding ride circuits that range from the simple to highly complex multiple vehicle interactions.
Manufacturing standards[]
ASTM based design and manufacturing standards are used during transportation system construction to ensure a product that performs consistently and is easily maintained on site.
Simtech AGV Systems[]
Simtech AGV Systems design and manufacture automatic guided vehicles and control systems for people moving and industrial material handling applications.
Our mechanical and electronic engineering designs, manufacturing processes, and hardware
specifications incorporate the latest in technologies applied to the industry.
Please follow the links to the left and visit our Material Handling and People Moving pages.
People moving[]
The innovative trackless transportations systems developed by Simtech for use in amusement park applications are ideally suited for people moving applications in other situations. Providing a superior ride experience, the Simtech vehicles provide safe, comfortable transport that can be seemlessly incorporated into the operational requirements of large public spaces. Simtech technology will allow your customers of any age or physical fitness, to enjoy your facility and services.
"Simtech" People Movers are designed to be a smooth safe ride, the vehicles incorporate multiple sensing technologies that prevent collisions and warn's pedestrians of its approach. All People Moving systems have been customised and designed to suit the clients specific requirements.
The picture is of a scene from the very successful "Time Tunnel" themed AGV ride installed at the Christchurch Gondola(NZ). The guests sit in the "NomadMover" AGV as they are taken through an historical account of how the local land was formed and initial inhabitant's of native life through to present day living. The choreography, animatronics and vehicle guidance system are all supplied by "Simtech". The art work and themeing is unique to the customers requirements including the vehicle body design.
The battery powered vehicles come with programming capabilities for destination, collision avoidance, path selection and positioning. Applications for this technology are growing, whether moving people through airports, museum's, art gallery's or a tourist operation.
The Trackless or Rail-less transportation systems developed by "Simtech" provides a superior transport ride experience that is safe and comfortable which can be incorporated into the operational requirements of large public spaces. This technology will allow your customers of any age or physical fitness, to enjoy your facility and services.
"Simtech's AGV’s" are configured with a differential drive. The two drive wheels are located in the middle of the vehicle at the sides. Steering is achieved by controlling the speed of each motor separately. The vehicles are designed with a low profile (Typically 300mm to the load platform) to maximise the dimensions of the load that can be carried and to increase vehicle stability.
The "NomadMover" AGV pictured in the above has the following capabilities.
"NomadMover" Capabilities
- Maximum velocity 1.5m/s-conditional.
- Rail-less wire guidance system.
- Differential steering.
- Co-ordinated or autonomous control.
- Dead reckoning, RFID and optical options.
- Opportunity charging.
- Communication via RF.
- On board audio.
- Seats 6 people.
- Multiple tracks.
- Multiple vehicles.
Material Handling[]
The Task RUNNER™ is a hybrid Automatic Guided and Manually Operated vehicle offering a wide range of options for light to medium duty material handling applications.
Various sizes and configurations are available to meet the diversified needs of the industry.
Manufacturing standards[]
Simtech strives for best practices in all areas of delivery including manufacturing to ANSI B56.5
standards.
Unit Loads[]
Unit loads that are manually or automatically loaded can be identified and dispatched to the desiredlocation.
Unit load mechanical configurations can be designed to handle light to medium load sizes and weights.
Pictured is a unit loader with a powered conveyor platform for loading/unloading. Unit load mechanical configurations can be designed to handle custom load sizes and weights. Various load handling devices like conveyor, lifting platform, rotating tops and customised devices can be fitted. AGV's can easily be added and removed from the path for maintenance or charging without affecting the flow of other tasked vehicles.
Towing[]
Tow loads up to 2,000 lbs with either automatic guided or manual control. Configurations to suit
the needs of your facility. Custom designs to suit your unique requirements.
The vehicle can be approached by personnel and switched from automatic to manual control.
The vehicle can then be used to tow loads on undefined paths and controlled at will. When the
off path works are complete the vehicle is returned to the control path and placed in automatic
mode. Automatic control takes over and resumes work load requests.
The "Task Runner" is a hybrid automated guided and manually operated tow vehicle that can be used to tow loads on defined paths and controlled off paths at will. In manual or automated mode the "Task Runner" will tow 900Kg(2000lbs). When the off path works are complete the vehicle is returned to the control path and placed in automated mode. The vehicle then resumes work load requests to the programmed schedule.
Interfacing[]
Many applications can be interfaced with AGV's. Pick and place machines, robots, bar code readers and conveyors. All of these can interface with a facilities manufacturing, assembly, processing or storage systems. Charging of the batteries can be achieved via opportunity charging, replacement or having a maintenance home bay after task or shift is completed. Each installation will have specific requirements.
Simtech Automated Guided Vehicles – AGV’s[]
An automated guided vehicle system is a battery powered driver-less vehicle with programming capabilities for destination, path selection and positioning. The AGV belongs to a class of highly flexible, intelligent and versatile material handling systems used to transport people and materials from various loading and unloading locations throughout a facility.
One of the most attractive aspects of an AGV in a material handling environment is the operational costs are significantly lowered. Labour associated expenses are reduced dramatically and maintenance costs are minimal. If an operation has 3 shifts it is possible that one vehicle will do the complete job and this increases the payback time dramatically, in some cases as little as one year.
Material Handling AGV's come in many different sizes, shapes and types. The most common being Unit Loaders, Towing, Lifting and Fork Lifting.
Material Handling AGV Technology[]
Simtech AGV’s" are configured with a differential drive. The two drive wheels are located in the middle of the vehicle at the sides. Steering is achieved by controlling the speed of each motor separately. This enables the same performance to be achieved both in forward and in reverse directions as well as enabling the vehicle to rotate on the spot. "Simtech" vehicles are designed with a low profile (Typically 300mm to the load platform) to maximise the dimensions of the load that can be carried and to increase vehicle stability.
Vehicle Capabilities (standard)[]
- Maximum velocity is dependant on application.
- Payload capacity is 900kg (2000 lbs.)
- Wire guidance system.
- Differential steering.
- Local command stations, co-ordinated or autonomous control stations.
- Dead reckoning, RFID and optical options.
- Opportunity charging.
- Communication via RF.
- Multiple tracks.
- Multiple vehicles.
Vehicle Control System[]
The "Simtech AGV "control system uses a balance between on board intelligence and a central co-ordinating computer. Continuous polling of the cars updates the positions on the operators display and allows traffic management. A combination of zone blocking and accumulative blocking is used to maximise throughput safely.
Communication is by a spread spectrum radio system, the signals are purposely spread over a large band of frequencies to reduce the likely hood of interference and do not rely on licensed frequency channels.
An AGV is often required to transport items from one location to another. Each movement can be controlled by a work order.
Depending on the requirements of the system work orders may be generated:
- Automatically by the station where the AGV is loading and communicated directly to the AGV.
- By the central controller which gains information from the AGV's, loading stations, operator consoles or portable handsets.
Information about the system status and performance can be presented to the operator and other interested parties through a user interface at the central control or at key points such as loading stations or on board the vehicle.
Contact Simtech[]
Simtech Darkrides Limited - Ainger Tomlin Ltd, Level 1, Ainger Tomlin House, 136 Ilam Road, Ilam, Christchurch, New Zealand 8044
Simtech Innovations Limited - 504 Cranford Street, Christchurch 8051 New Zealand - P.O. Box 8847 Christchurch, New Zealand 8044
Simtech AGV Systems - Wordsworth Street, Christchurch, New Zealand 8044 - P.O. Box 30165, St Martins, Christchurch 8246 New Zealand - phone +643 379 0182, fax +643 379 0192, email: sales@simtechAGV.com, web: www.simtechAGV.com
External links[]
Simtech on Youtube: simtech2007
Gallery[]
