Maurer Rides to present ASM technology at IAAPA Expo Europe 2024

Maurer Rides, a leading designer and manufacturer of roller coasters and transport solutions, will exhibit at IAAPA Expo Europe 2024 in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, from 24 – 26 September, where the team will showcase the revolutionary ASM (Adaptive Spike Motor) technology and innovative layouts and projects.

The Gravity Coaster’s fundamental idea is that after a single energy source—a lift or a launch—the vehicles roll freely along the track. As a result, the design has to take the vehicle’s current energy state into consideration. This means that the vehicles shouldn’t be overly forceful but also able to execute the manoeuvres without becoming stuck. This begs the question of what might be feasible if the vehicle’s energy could be freely controlled.

In contrast to Gravity Coasters, the cars on powered coasters feature integrated engines and brakes for constant speed control. In addition, Spike Coasters include a 100% gear drive system that allows the ride speed to be adjusted in all positions, including overhead and vertical. This means that prior design constraints are removed because the energy level is optimised to the ride element rather than the other way around.

Unlimited energy & precise control

This is particularly interesting when creating distinctive landmarks. The endless energy source allows for the construction of ride figures of any scale, producing amazing Mega Loops, and the arrangement of overhead figures in any sequence. This leads to seemingly unachievable figures that have always fascinated coaster designers and fans, including the Standing Eight, a Four-Leaf Clover, or striking tower structures.

Additionally, the ride’s speed can be regulated as riders pass through the figures. One novel type of coaster experience is Vertical Airtime, where the speed is slowed down during a vertical ascent to give riders the impression that they are weightless.

Control and energy are also crucial in producing an unexpected riding sequence. While going forward and backward is expected, using spike control makes this a true drama. Passengers never know when or if the car will go backward because a backward passage might occur anywhere and at any time. When a hill becomes impossible to climb abruptly and unexpectedly, the car rolls back and makes another run-up.

Tension is also produced by stopping on the track, for example, just before a fall at a high point. The new development is that the degree of ambiguity regarding the next course of action grows, almost to the breaking point, with more forward and backward motions.

New layouts

Braking before a bend and accelerating again after it—or even inside the turn with Centrifuge Launch—adds to the surprise factor. It also optimises the arrangement to conserve space and blend in seamlessly with the preexisting design. Layout pieces that thread around sharp bends and narrow sections can be constructed, producing a unique roller coaster experience. 

During the ride figures, varied forces occur depending on the speed. This allows the speed control to tailor the riding experience for particular target groups, forward/backward sequencing, or many passes in a multi-lap operation. For instance, there are two ways to execute a steep turn: compress it or accelerate it for those looking for more excitement, with additional outward pulling lateral forces.

Through the application of extra energy and its control, unprecedented coasters are created with maximum attraction and originality through distinct ride aspects rather than being limited by track length or maximum speed.

“We are looking forward to exploiting the enormous potential for new and extraordinary roller coasters and to meeting and exceeding the expectations of parks and fans,” says the team at Maurer Rides, who can be found at booth #11515 during the trade show.

Maurer Rides also released its inaugural sustainability report earlier this year. This publication demonstrates the firm’s dedication to sustainability and showcases its efforts to reduce environmental impact, improve social responsibility, and promote sustainable market growth.

All images © Maurer Rides