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29 December 2009
Posted in
Press and Media
January 15 - 18 at the Orlando Science Center with Presenting Sponsor Full Sail University
Four Days of Videogames, Simulators, Robots, Workshops, Art Galleries, Career Exploration, and More
ORLANDO, FL (December 29, 2009) – Otronicon returns to the Orlando Science Center for a milestone fifth year to explore the science, art, technology, careers and fun behind videogames, simulation, and digital media. From January 15-18, the Science Center will be packed with opportunities to experience how interactive technology is changing how we live, learn, work and play. Otronicon is presented by Full Sail University.
Since its inception in 2006, more than 50,000 people have checked out Otronicon to play videogame stations on nearly every format, from classic arcade games to the latest platforms like Wii and PS3. Guests also enjoy heightened experiences like HALO tournaments on the massive 8-story domed screen of the Dr. Phillips CineDome and acting out their rock star fantasies by playing Rock Band with the controls embedded in an actual drum kit while they jam on a real stage before a cheering crowd.
Then guests can follow the link from videogames to simulation and discover how this technology is used in training. Experiences include real-world military flight simulators from Lockheed Martin and others and cutting edge medical simulators from Florida Hospital and University of Central Florida. The simulation area at Otronicon showcases the latest technology – some rarely seen by the general public. Get your hands on the tools used to save lives through better training for pilots, soldiers, doctors and others.
Learn skills from industry pros and hear about career options in the fast-growing interactive technology industry during workshops and other opportunities during Otronicon. Full Sail University hosts a series of engaging workshops that providing a glimpse at the technical and artistic skills behind videogame design. Industry professionals from Full Sail, Lockheed Martin, Florida Hospital and others will also be on hand to chat with guests on how they can turn their interests in interactive technology into a new career.
New this year to Otronicon:
- Check out how Florida Hospital is breaking new ground in surgery with the da Vinci® Robot, which uses remotely operated robotic arms equipped with minute surgical instruments to provide a minimally invasive application to complex surgeries. Get a rare opportunity to get up close to this amazing technology while it’s on display January 15 - 17.
- See demonstrations of other military robots and remote controlled vehicles from the US Army and others.
- Participate in a combat simulation using real-world scenarios and weapons firing infrared light in the Hard Knocks arena.
- Dust off that Master Chief costume or those Mario Brothers’ overalls and compete in the Video Game Costume Competition on Friday night, January 15.
- Enjoy Otronicon after dark with a rock and roll themed Cocktails & Cosmos on Saturday, January 16 with live music, two fashion shows, and a Rock Band Karaoke Showdown from 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
- Players will be matched against each other during competition rounds of some of the hottest games, including Guitar Hero, Rock Band and Super Smash Brothers Melee (both individuals and teams).
- Explore Artronica hosted by Full Sail University – a digital art exhibition featuring selected works from their digital media school.
The Orlando Science Center will have extended hours during Otronicon, closing at midnight on January 15 and 16 and closing at 10:00 p.m. on January 17 and 18. Otronicon will host school field trips with a digital media focus on January 19 - 22.
Families and individuals of all ages will have a tremendous range of places and opportunities to explore. Tickets to the event are $17 for adults and $12 for kids (ages 3 to 11). For more information, call 407-514-2000 or visit otronicon.org.
