Thrill seekers

Nottingham University scientists are helping to capture the essence of excitement with a live experiment that measures the ‘thrill factor’ of riding a rollercoaster.

Volunteers at Alton Towers will be linked up to a heart monitor, accelerometer, face-cam and other monitoring equipment to give a unique insight into their reactions to one of Europe’s biggest rides.

The aim of the rider monitoring system, developed by computer scientists at The University of Nottingham, is to help establish a definitive ‘thrill factor’ across thrill rides worldwide - and help to shape the next generation of rollercoasters.

Volunteer riders on the Oblivion ride - which features a 180ft vertical drop - will be subject to psychological and physiological tests as part of a ‘Thrill Laboratory’ being run at Alton Towers from September 19-21.

Experts at Nottingham University's Mixed Reality Lab (MRL) designed and implemented the biofeedback and recording technology for the ‘Thrill Lab’.

The equipment allows physiological data to be recorded during the ride, including video of people's faces, audio, heart rate, galvanic skin response and acceleration. Experts at the MRL are also involved in psychological profiling before and after the event.