When OdySea Aquarium in Scottsdale, Arizona set out to create a fully immersive experience unlike anything else, they partnered with Carousel USA to make it happen. The result is OdySea Voyager, a one-of-a-kind rotating theater that takes guests on a narrated, 360-degree journey through stunning underwater ecosystems—all without leaving their seats. Thanks to Carousel USA’s precision turntable engineering, this immersive ride blends storytelling with seamless motion.
At the core of OdySea Voyager is a custom-designed Carousel USA turntable built to deliver smooth, synchronized rotation across five zones. Four zones showcase distinct aquatic habitats—from colorful coral reefs to mysterious deep-sea terrain—while the fifth remains stationary for loading and unloading. As the platform rotates, guests enjoy panoramic views of marine life, enhanced by coordinated lighting, ambient sound, and expert narration that brings each biome to life.
The Engineering Behind the Experience
Building a rotating theater of this scale called for careful planning, powerful equipment, and a strong focus on safety. Carousel USA engineered a large-format turntable powered by four SEW MOVIDRIVE variable frequency drives, each connected to its own motor. Configured in a leader-follower setup, the drives communicate in real time, ensuring that all motors move in perfect sync. This coordination is what keeps the ride running evenly and reliably, aligning each seating section precisely with its corresponding habitat.
To power the lighting and audio systems on the moving platform, Carousel USA avoided the clutter of traditional wiring. Instead, engineers installed a circular conductor bar along the pit’s perimeter beneath the turntable. A rotating current collector rides along this track, quietly delivering continuous power to all onboard systems. This innovative solution keeps the experience smooth, seamless, and visually unobstructed.
Designed for Safety and Control
Because OdySea Voyager welcomes high volumes of guests daily, safety had to come first. Every seating zone features emergency stop buttons, giving staff immediate control if needed. At the same time, a touchscreen control panel near the entrance allows attendants to manage movement easily from the loading area. Behind the scenes, a central control panel remains securely tucked away, accessible only to authorized aquarium personnel.
During system testing, engineers discovered that the motors generated significant braking energy, which could eventually damage the drives’ internal components. To solve this, Carousel USA added braking resistors to each drive’s DC bus. These components absorb and safely release excess energy, extending the life of the system and protecting its performance over time.
A Signature Attraction
In the end, this project delivered far more than a moving platform. OdySea Voyager became a signature feature of the aquarium—an immersive, story-driven experience powered by smart engineering. Every detail, from the smooth rotation to the synced narration, reflects Carousel USA’s commitment to precision and innovation.
Whether you’re designing a museum exhibit, theme park attraction, or industrial solution, Carousel USA is ready to help bring your vision to life—with technology that moves people.
