Ferrari World contract for Automation 4

SOFTWARE developed by a Yorkshire firm is helping power the rides at the newly-opened Ferrari World.

Automation 4 was responsible for software controlling eight rides at the indoor theme park, the largest in the world, which opened this month in Abu Dhabi.

Managing director Tim Groves said: “This contract demonstrates that a small company based in Yorkshire can compete with the rest of the world when it comes to specialist software for theme parks. 

“Each attraction was designed to bring to life a different part of the Ferrari story, providing a complete experience for the visitor.  This was an exciting project, working on eight of the 20 attractions and rides for the most iconic car brand in the world.” 

Ferrari World has some of the most advanced rides in the world including the fastest rollercoaster that travels at 149 mph.

The firm’s projects at the theme park included providing software for Speed of Magic,  a cinema experience where the audience’s seats move and views feel temperature and moisture changes to match the action on-screen.

Automation 4, based in Harrogate, also developed control systems for the V12 flume ride which takes passengers through a Ferrari engine.

It won the Ferrari contract after working on Soccer Circus, the football experience developed by former England manager Kevin Keegan, which was bought by a UAE-based leisure company.

Automation 4 worked with US-firm Jack Rouse Associates and Bond Communications, the main audio-visual contractor on the project.