Kuka Arm Exclusivity?

[jrtoastyman]

All of this talk of Star Wars Land (and Avatar, and Cars Land to a lesser extent) got me wondering about the use of the Kuka arm in Disney Parks. I recall that Universal scored an exclusive deal to use the Kuka arm for some period of time when it was setting up WWOHP, but I don't recall when that expired. Assuming for the sake of argument that these rumors are true (which is a big assumption, I realize), has enough time passed already that by the time these lands are ready to open, Disney would be able to use a Kuka arm in its attractions?

Part of this blue sky wishing frankly has to do with my love of the Forbidden Journey ride over at IoA. I love Disney and prefer the Disney experience as a whole, but that attraction is the single most incredible theme park ride I've ever been on, and the use of that technology is astonishing. I'd love to see what WDW could do with it, and it would certainly help (further) ramp up the WDW/Universal competition which, let's face it, is good for all of us.

Thoughts?

 

[Mickeywdw1254]

If I recall correctly Universal got a 10 year exclusivity on the Kuka Robo arms. I think that was back around 2007 or 2008 so still some time yet unfortunately.

 

[DCTooTall]

I also would personally say I'd like to see Disney do something similar to Spiderman or Transformer's Technology first. It's been around now for over 10 years (spiderman was an opening day IOA attraction, and Transformers is virtually the same ride system), And Disney has yet to match it. Considering the Kuka arm used in FJ is basically an evolution of the ride system used in Spiderman, I'd be happy just seeing Disney do something with the first gen of the ride system.

 

[ChloroFiend]

Sum of all Thrills in Innoventions is also based on the KUKA arm.

 

[beer dave]

Sum of all Thrills in Innoventions is also based on the KUKA arm.

I think more than based-- doesn't it say KUKA on the side of the arm? I believe Disneys were installed before HP opened, so maybe they put them in before the contract was signed?

 

[Brocktoon]

I think more than based-- doesn't it say KUKA on the side of the arm? I believe Disneys were installed before HP opened, so maybe they put them in before the contract was signed?

I think that may be the case. I'm by no means an expert, but I rode 'Sum' within a couple days of opening a few years back. I'm an engineer by trade, and was curious about the ride tech. The CMs pointed towards a Raytheon rep who told me it it used the same KUKA arm programming as LEGOland.

Never head about about an exclusive deal for KUKA tech at Universal. Isn't there already KUKA arms at LEGOland as well? Maybe that's only on the west coast ..

 

[KYDisneyDad]

Universal does have an exclusive on the technology but don't know for how long.... The kuka arms at Epcot at Sum of All Thrills and the Nemo Seas ride were grandfathered in........

 

[DCTooTall]

Actually... I think it has to do with wording...

I believe Universal's KUKA exclusivity is for the arm's use "in a Theme Park attraction".


The stand alone "Virtual Coaster" system which is demonstrated in SUM, is actually a usage of the Kuka arm that has been widely used and commercially available for years. There are various instaliations of the KUKA in this usage at amusement parks, malls, and 'stand alone' entertainment venues around the country (and world?), so it is likely not covered as i could EASILY see it as being classifed as a more general "amusement machine" which just happens to be placed within the walls of a theme park. (Think of it like a coin-up arcade machine or one of those mall style motion simulator cabs... which may just so happen to be located in an arcade or other location within a themepark, such as six flags, sea world, busch gardens, cedar faire park, or Disney...)

 

[doconeill]

I think more than based-- doesn't it say KUKA on the side of the arm? I believe Disneys were installed before HP opened, so maybe they put them in before the contract was signed?

They are in fact Kuka arms, and say so.

The difference is that SOAT is a "temporary demonstration", not a theme park attraction (although I'm sure lawyers could argue it).

Sum of All Thrills opened at Innoventions around nine months prior to Forbidden Journey. No idea when the exclusivity might have been enacted, or what the exact terms of it are.

The FJ arms are mounted on a movable vehicle. That could affect the exclusivity.

 

[beer dave]

They are in fact Kuka arms, and say so.

The difference is that SOAT is a "temporary demonstration", not a theme park attraction (although I'm sure lawyers could argue it).

Sum of All Thrills opened at Innoventions around nine months prior to Forbidden Journey. No idea when the exclusivity might have been enacted, or what the exact terms of it are.

The FJ arms are mounted on a movable vehicle. That could affect the exclusivity.

Sounds reasonable to me.