Abstract
Designing a Portable Flat Ride for the Ride Engineering Competition
This project presents the design, analysis, and validation of a three-degree-of-freedom (3DOF) robotic arm ride developed for the Ride Engineering Competition (REC). The system is a portable flat ride designed to deliver a controlled repeatable motion profile for sixteen riders while meeting REC performance requirements and maintaining compliance with ASTM safety standards .
The ride achieves motion through three independently controlled degrees of freedom: base rotation, and two arm rotations, driven by three Dynamixel servomotors. Motor 0 controls rotation of a turntable platform, while Motors 1 and 2 actuate the first and second links, positioning the rider chassis throughout the ride cycle. These motors operate in coordination to execute a programmed motion profile that produces multi-directional accelerations while maintaining precise positioning.
Mechanical and structural analyses were conducted to ensure safe operation under all conditions. Torque calculations, including worst cas scenarios such as full arm extension, verified that each motor operates within allowable limits. Structural components, including the linkages and chassis, were designed with appropriate factors of safety to withstand loading while maintaining stability within the required operational envelope.
The system consists of a rigid base assembly, a rotating platform supported by a bearing, and two arm linkages carrying the rider chassis. Safety is addressed through both mechanical and control features, including an emergency stop mechanism and continuous monitoring of motor position and temperature. In the event of a fault, the system operates and requires a controlled reset. System performances were also validated through Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), confirming proper motion, control logic, and safety response.
Reimagining Accessibility: The Inclusive and Exclusive Dimensions of VR/AR Rides for People with Disabilities
This research examines the implications of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) ride experiences with a focus on accessibility for individuals with disabilities. As theme parks and entertainment industries increasingly integrate VR/AR technologies into ride systems, these innovations are often framed as universally immersive and inclusive. However, this study shows that such technologies can simultaneously expand and restrict access, depending on how they are designed and implemented.
The research is guided by the question: how do VR and AR rides change inclusivity for disabled guests, and what social and technical factors shape who can fully participate? To address this, the study draws on frameworks, including Actor-Network Theory (ANT) and Langdon Winner's concept that artifacts have politics. These frameworks are used to analyze how human and nonhuman actors (engineers, ride designers, policies, headsets) interact to shape user experience and access.
The analysis incorporates case studies and examples from the theme park industry, including VR integrated rides and accessibility policy changes. Findings suggest that while VR/AR technologies have the potential to enhance accessibility by creating alternative sensory experiences, they often rely on assumptions about the “ideal” user, such as the ability to wear headsets comfortably, tolerate motion simulation, or process sensory input in specific ways. These assumptions can function as participation filters, excluding individuals with physical, sensory, or cognitive disabilities.
This research shows that VR/AR ride systems are not neutral technology, but they reflect design decisions, institutional priorities, and broader social values that shape who is included and excluded. It also highlights the importance of incorporating accessibility considerations into the design process to ensure that emerging technologies do not reinforce existing inequalities, but instead promote more inclusive experiences.
The technical and STS components of this portfolio are closely connected through their shared focus on ride design and user experience, but they approach the problem from different perspectives. The technical project emphasizes the mechanical design, safety and performance of a portable 3DOF robotic arm ride, ensuring that the system operates reliably within defined engineering constraints and meets industry standards. On the other hand, the STS research examines how ride technologies, particularly VR/AR systems, shape accessibility and inclusion for users with disabilities. While the technical project prioritizes controlled motion, structural integrity, and safety mechanisms, the STS research reveals that design decisions also carry social implications, influencing who can safely and comfortably participate. These projects together demonstrate that ride engineering is inherently sociotechnical. Beyond meeting technical requirements, designers must consider how assumptions about the “ideal rider” can unintentionally exclude certain users.
