HEXaPOT® Dark Ride Manufacturer

HEXaPOT®: Next-Generation Dark Ride System

HEXaPOT® combines high-performance vehicle propulsion with powerful 6-DOF motion and unlimited yaw rotation, turning the ride vehicle into a dynamic, precisely choreographed part of the show.

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Product Description

HEXaPOT® is Simtec’s next-generation dark ride system for ambitious E-ticket attractions in which the ride vehicle becomes an active storytelling instrument. High-performance vehicle propulsion, powerful 6-DOF motion, and unlimited yaw rotation are engineered to perform as one integrated system, merging into a single choreographed sequence. The vehicle builds speed into a scene, changes orientation before a reveal, tilts into the action, and carries guests through rapid transitions without interrupting the narrative flow. Movement between scenes becomes part of the experience rather than merely the space between them.

This precision allows physical scenery and media to function as one continuous environment. Projection mapping and large-format media extend physical sets beyond their built boundaries, while animatronics and show-action remain anchored in the space around the vehicle. Controlled viewing directions focus attention, conceal technical surroundings, and position each reveal for maximum impact. When visual scale and motion cues align, perceived movement reaches far beyond the vehicle’s actual travel. A compact rise becomes a towering ascent; a precisely timed drop becomes a plunge through vast vertical space.

Dynamic Scene Transitions

High-performance vehicle propulsion and unlimited rotation create rapid scene entries, dramatic reveals, and changing perspectives. Acceleration shapes the pace of the ride, while transitions become part of the show.

Optional Onboard Screen for Scene Transitions

An optional deployable screen moves into the guests’ field of view as the vehicle leaves one scene. Synchronized media and motion carry the experience into the next environment before the screen retracts for the reveal.

Powerful 6-DOF Motion

Surge, sway, heave, roll, pitch, and yaw add full-body movement that changes how guests physically experience each scene.

High-Capacity Ride Dynamics

With configurations for up to 30 guests per vehicle, HEXaPOT® brings high-performance multi-axis movement to the scale of major E-ticket dark rides.

Energy Recovery

The integrated energy recovery system reduces energy consumption by more than 50% compared with traditional ride systems.

The Engineering Behind the HEXaPOT® Experience

HEXaPOT® was developed to overcome a fundamental limitation of existing robotic ride systems: how to retain extensive freedom of movement while scaling the experience to a larger, high-capacity dark ride vehicle with a predictable and safely controlled range of motion. Simtec’s patented solution (US Patent US9757658B1) combines a high-load 6-DOF Stewart platform with a separate, unlimited yaw axis for the passenger platform. The parallel-kinematic design accommodates the loads of a high-capacity vehicle, while the geometry and mechanical limits of the system define the complete space that the vehicle and its passengers can physically occupy during operation.

This mechanically defined motion envelope provides safety by design. Collision prevention therefore does not rely solely on the programming of individual ride sequences. This gives attraction planners a reliable basis for positioning scenery, show elements, and structural components safely around the ride. The same known physical limits also provide a framework for developing, adapting, and reprogramming motion profiles and show sequences.

The mechanical architecture, however, is only part of the engineering task. Vehicle travel, 6-DOF motion, and rotation must remain precisely synchronized with media, physical scenery, audio, lighting, and special effects. Even small discrepancies between what guests see and what their bodies feel can weaken the illusion or cause discomfort. Show control, safety functions, and operating processes therefore form part of one coordinated system architecture. Industrial control technology keeps complex ride sequences precisely timed and repeatable, while remote diagnostics and modular service access support structured maintenance and reliable daily operation.

Custom-Engineered for Your Vision and Venue

HEXaPOT® is configured around the specific attraction concept, capacity target, and venue. Required throughput, ride duration, and dispatch strategy determine the number of vehicles, vehicle capacity, and seating configuration. Track layout, station concept, and scene sequence are then developed to make effective use of the available space and support the operational requirements of the attraction.

The vehicle itself can become part of the creative world. Its body and passenger area can be themed to match the surrounding scenery and story. Optional onboard media elements include a deployable screen that lowers into the guests’ field of view, allowing media sequences to bridge the journey between physical scenes. Audio, lighting, vibration, wind, spray, scent, and other onboard effects can be integrated around the specific show concept.

Depending on the project scope, Simtec can also provide wider attraction integration, including AV systems, special effects, show control, and show action equipment. Vehicle motion, media, scenery, and effects are coordinated as one overall system to ensure that the creative concept remains technically coherent, precisely timed, and practical for daily operation.

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HEXaPOT® Dark Ride Specifications

Technical specifications are adapted to the attraction concept, passenger capacity, motion system, media environment, safety requirements, and venue conditions.

Capacity & Operations

Guest Capacity

Up to 30 passengers per ride vehicle

Vehicle Fleet Configuration

The number of vehicles is configured around the target throughput, ride duration, dispatch strategy, and attraction layout

Seating Configuration

Project-specific seating layouts are developed around the required capacity, passenger arrangement, and themed vehicle design

Track Layout

Project-specific route geometry, stations, stops, and scene positions

Passenger Flow

Loading and unloading concepts are tailored to the vehicle fleet, seating configuration, and operational layout

Motion Technology

Vehicle Drive & Guidance

High-performance electric vehicle propulsion enables dynamic acceleration, braking, and speed changes, while physical track guidance ensures precise routing and positioning throughout the attraction

6-DOF Motion System

A high-load parallel-kinematic platform provides powerful motion across surge, sway, heave, roll, pitch, and yaw

Motion Drive Technology

Electrohydrostatic actuation provides the force and precise control required for HEXaPOT®’s high-capacity 6-DOF motion system

Unlimeted Yaw Rotation

A separate rotary axis provides unlimited passenger-platform rotation independently of vehicle travel and 6-DOF motion

Motion Performance

Motion range, acceleration, and ride intensity can be tailored to the attraction concept and intended guest experience

Energy Recovery

Integrated energy recovery recaptures and reuses energy during operation to reduce the system’s overall energy demand

Controls

Ride Control Architecture

Developed in-house by Simtec using industrial PLC and safety control technology for ride automation, motion control, and system-wide synchronization

Real-Time Synchronization

Coordinates vehicle propulsion, 6-DOF motion, and unlimited rotation with media, audio, lighting, special effects, and show action equipment

Show Control Interfaces

Integrates into project-specific show control architectures

Operator Interfaces

Operator panels support ride operation, system monitoring, start/stop functions, reset procedures, and emergency handling

Attraction Integration

Media & Scenic Environments

Compatible with physical sets, projection surfaces, LED displays, and hybrid media environments

Deployable Onboard Screen

An optional screen can be lowered into the guests’ field of view to create media-based transitions while the vehicle travels between physical show scenes

Special Effects

Wind, water mist, scent, vibration, and environmental effects can be integrated

Themed Vehicle Integration

Custom vehicle bodies, passenger areas, finishes, lighting, and IP-specific designs can be integrated

Turnkey Attraction Integration

Available as a complete turnkey attraction, combining the ride system, show control, special effects, and show action equipment with partner-supplied AV technology, media production, and theming

Safety, Accessibility & Reliability

International Ride Standards

Designed in accordance with international ride standards, including EN 13814, ASTM F2291, and GB 8408

Functional Safety

Integrated safety PLCs, certified safety functions, and redundant system architectures support safe attraction operation

Restraint Systems

Monitored seat belts or restraint bars are available

Accessibility Concepts

The floor-level loading position supports accessible guest flow concepts and simplified boarding procedures

Long-Term Durability

Key structural components are engineered for 20+ years of operation under defined load and operating conditions

Let’s discuss your project

Have an idea, a specific requirement or a challenging space to work with? Talk to us about your project. We will connect you with the right specialist at Simtec.

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The Best Trust Simtec

Simtec is proud to have provided products and services to world-famous brands and companies.

Your Expert Partner for Immersive Dark Rides

Simtec is more than a manufacturer; we are a technology partner with decades of expertise in high-performance ride systems. Whether delivering traditional track-guided vehicles or the patented HEXaPOT® motion platform, we take full system responsibility—from initial concept and turnkey integration to lifelong technical support. Our engineering heritage ensures that every dark ride system delivers natural, controlled, and physically credible motion, providing a safe, robust, and reliable anchor for your venue’s success.

Award-winning Flagship Dark Ride Systems

Our motion platforms are recognized globally and featured in award-winning flagship projects at leading international theme parks for redefining immersion through sophisticated technology that is trusted in the world’s most visited destinations.

Extensive customizing options

We offer an extensive range of sophisticated customizing options that allow operators to perfectly tailor their ride installations with modular profiles, interactive modules, and bespoke theming that ensures every attraction aligns perfectly with any specific IP.

Presence on 3 continents and on-site maintenance

Simtec maintains a robust global presence across three continents with wholly owned subsidiaries in Germany, the USA, and China, allowing our specialized engineering teams to provide rapid, high-quality on-site maintenance and comprehensive technical service throughout the entire lifecycle of the attraction.

German Innovation in Motion

Rooted in the philosophy of “German Innovation in Motion,” our precision-engineered systems are designed to the highest standards, featuring pioneering energy recovery and ensuring a sustainable, long-term structural lifetime for continuous operational excellence.

Testimonial

“Only Simtec could do that.”

Keith Robertson

JKR & Associates

Entertainment References

Discover iconic ride projects where Simtec’s precision engineering meets world-class entertainment.

HEXaPOT® Dark Ride: Patented Motion Ride Engineering by Simtec

Patented 6-DOF Innovation and Immersive Storytelling

Simtec Systems stands as a premier motion interactive dark ride manufacturer, specializing in the patented HEXaPOT® Dark Ride. As an authority in ride engineering, we utilize a unique combination of a Stewart platform (hexapod) motion base and a rotary table protected by US Patent US9757658B1. This innovation allows for unlimited 360-degree rotation and independent seat tilting, delivering a level of creative flexibility that exceeds traditional robot-arm limits. Our systems provide physically credible 6-DOF motion—including pitch, roll, and yaw—perfectly synchronized with high-resolution media for total immersion. This technical depth makes the HEXaPOT® the ideal choice for high-capacity attractions requiring unmatched motion quality and storytelling potential.

Leading the Industry in Sustainability and Global Reliability

As a globally recognized simulator ride manufacturer, Simtec ensures the HEXaPOT® is built for sustainable and reliable operation. Every vehicle features a pioneering energy recovery system that recaptures kinetic energy during ride operation, reducing consumption by over 50% compared to traditional systems. Our systems are engineered for low maintenance and include remote diagnostics to ensure maximum availability in flagship parks worldwide. With subsidiaries on three continents, Simtec provides specialized custom attraction engineering and turnkey project delivery, ensuring your investment remains a safe and future-proof asset for decades.

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