The event promotes technology “made in Orlando, played in Orlando,” spotlighting Central Florida organizations creating games, simulators and jobs that are changing our high tech future. This year, partners including EA SPORTS, Lockheed Martin, University of Central Florida, Florida Hospital, and first-time Otronicon partner, Walt Disney World Resort, demonstrate Orlando’s impact on the world of entertainment, simulation, education, training, health care and more.
EA SPORTS will showcase their latest virtual technology application – EA SPORTS Game View – an augmented reality system that ESPN analysts are now using to run plays using 3-D virtual athletes. Attendees can watch as animated virtual athletes run plays on a virtual field in real-time. EA SPORTS will also invite attendees to “get in the game” with Madden NFL cover photo-ops, motion capture technology, and, of course, plenty of games for open play.
In addition, Florida Hospital hosts Medical Sim City with demonstrations that include the innovative daVinci surgical robot along with patient simulators, echocardiograms and a virtual autopsy. Lockheed Martin hosts the military simulation area featuring cutting-edge flight simulators, driving simulators, student-built robots and other great military displays. Other partners will present virtual marksmanship trainers and show how they use simulations to keep our soldiers and pilots safe.
Since its inception in 2006, tens of thousands have visited Otronicon to play videogames on nearly every format, from classic arcade games to the latest platforms. Guests also enjoy heightened experiences like the immersive virtual reality of the Virtusphere, test out real-world training simulators, enjoy playing games on the 8-story giant screen of the Dr. Phillips CineDome and live out rock star fantasies playing “Rock Band” onstage in front of a cheering crowd – the controls embedded in an actual drum kit. This event provides the opportunity to inspire a child’s interest in science and tech careers through the appeal of video games, interactive technology and virtual reality.
What Else Can You Expect at Otronicon 2012?
Walt Disney World Resort will display how audio-animatronics helps bring their brand of family entertainment to life.
Experience the virtual world through Virtusphere! Wear a wireless, head-mounted display while you walk or run immersed in a virtual environment set within a 10-foot hollow sphere that rotates freely in any direction according to your steps. Two Virtuspheres are available this year, providing two different scenarios: a walkthrough of the human heart and a first-person shooter.
An Orlando Science Center favorite, laser light shows debut at Otronicon for the first time this year. Embrace the vibe with brilliant laser lights and 28,000 watts of pulse-pounding sound on the gigantic 8-story screen of the Dr. Phillips CineDome.
Participate in game design workshops overseen by Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy and others. Plus, check out game development panels that give you a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the production of some of your favorite titles.
The Reboot Lounge presented by Bright House Networks gives you the chance to hit the RESET button with a funky tech vibe. Spend time here to unwind, be heard with social media hubs powered by Road Runner Lightning featuring Wideband Technology, play classic arcade favorites like “Pac Man,” “Donkey Kong” and “Space Invaders,” and observe art on display that was inspired by video games and created by the latest digital tools.
Robot demonstrations from Lockheed Martin’s First Robotics Team, navigate a robot through a maze courtesy of RDECOM or pilot an underwater robot thanks to Sea Perch.
Experience the power of the Force with appearances by members of the 501st Imperial Legion, Star Wars Costuming Club on Saturday and Sunday only.
Step into the game with rounds of outdoor laser tag by Battlefield Live Orlando on Saturday and Sunday only from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (first-come/first-serve, weather dependent).
Participate in the costume contest by dressing as your favorite video game character on Sunday night on the Rock Band stage in the Darden Theater … and much, much more!
This event is included with general admission to the Orlando Science Center which is $17 for adults and $12 for kids (ages 3-11). For more information, please call (407) 514-2000 or visit www.otronicon.org.
