For some, there is nothing more thrilling than the high speeds, steep drops, and quick turns of roller coaster rides. For others, there is literally nothing more terrifying. But what if, for the second group, they could have the best of both worlds? Meaning, what if they could enjoy the experiences associated with a roller coaster ride, all at a pace they were comfortable with? Now, it's possible.
Dutch-based industrial designer Daniel de Bruin has invented a one-person ride that speeds up or slows down based on biometric data it gathers from the rider’s body. Dubbed the Neurotransmitter 3000, the ride reads such vital information as heart rate and muscle tension to determine if the rider is comfortable enough for an intense free fall, or a gravity-defying thrust through the air.
According to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, a resting heart rate is around 60 to 100 beats per minute (bpm). On the ride, a heart rate of about 80 beats per minute launches the ride into full speed and keeps it there until it senses the heart rate rise to 130, or the passenger passes a muscle tension threshold by tightly gripping the seat. Then the ride slows, or even comes to a complete halt. At this point, de Bruin's machine is purely a trial, and there are no indications as to whether it would ever be used inside an amusement park.
Check out de Bruin testing out the ride in a video . If you feel nauseous just watching the footage, it's likely the Neurotransmitter 3000 isn't even enough to alleviate your fears.
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