So, I am a teacher and I want to create an incredible experience for kids. I have a vision of creating a VR roller coaster experience that can be used to guide kids through a learning objective. The idea is that I have a seat that moves and simulates movement along with a 360 video from YouTube or some other software. I know that this is a crazy idea, but it would be something that kids would remember forever. So, I am looking at creating almost a mechanical bull that can be controlled and programmed. Is it possible to create an Arduino controlled device that runs linear actuators (or something else) that can be pre-programmed to follow a "track" that is displayed through VR headset, either separate from the controlling Arduino or intertwined with the Arduino some how... Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance!
An Arduino could control linear actuators, but given the rest of the hardware required, there's no reason to use an Arduino. You need a computer, a Pi might be able to do it. There are several 'flight simulator' projects out there.
Be forewarned, the actuators or hydraulics required will be expensive. Beyond the budget of a teacher.
Then you have to think about liability. If a kid gets hurt on your contraption (if your school even allows it) and you are a goner.
Contact other schools in your area that have successfully run student 'build a powered go-cart' type projects to find out what legal and insurance hurdles they had to cross. Essentially you are dealing with similar levels of power, and risk of neck injuries etc.
awall777:
something that kids would remember forever.
It seems to me it is the nature of kids that they never attach the same value to things as the grown-ups that provide them.
IMHO a day spent building stuff with large cardboard cartons would probably be just as memorable.
...R
You would need a small carnival ride to get the G's needed. I saw one such attempt at a mall once in the late 70's or into the 80's; the box the riders sat in was on a swing and the video matched the scene to the movement of the swing.
If you have a ride that pushes G's, you can match the scene. With a VR headset the ride could be in a car on a windy twisty roller coaster road, you'd need an accelerometer and more to keep the VR scene in synch.