ifm sensors in the haunted house maximize guest attractions

7/13/23

29. June 2023 – Fun fairs feature a wide variety of attractions and rides. While some cause a sense of euphoria among the visitors, others are meant to give them the chills. But where exactly does ifm fit into this picture? Here you can find out more!

Fairs have been around for hundreds of years. The technology that is used in rides and attractions today has become more sophisticated. Whether on the roller coaster, the Ferris wheel, or the haunted house, a wide variety of technical components are needed to ensure proper functioning and safety. The Bremen folk festival “Osterwiese” with its many rides is no exception.

It has been held annually around the Easter holiday in Bremen since 1946. More than a million people visit the 16-day event each year, in which over 200 showpeople are involved. This makes it one of the biggest German folk festivals – and ifm is a small part of this success.

Among the carousels, raffle stalls, rides, and sales booths is a haunted house that will give visitors the creeps. For this, the ghostly figures have to move in the right way at the right time to maximize the scare factor for guests. In addition to deep darkness and dense fog, the figures are moved by means of special mechanic installations. When the ghosts appear as if from nowhere, they are accompanied by lighting effects and loud noises to frighten the visitors where they least expect it. Timing is essential!

In the Osterwiese haunted house, the right timing is ensured by ifm sensors. On ghost installations, ifm’s retro-reflective sensors are attached to ensure the scaring process is started at the right time for each passing guest. If a visitor passes through the invisible light barrier, this triggers the command that starts the movement of the respective ghost. Thanks to this technical equipment, the figures always react at the right time and maximize frights for those that visit the haunted house.