Otronicon is Back at Orlando Science Center And the Force is Strong

For the eighth consecutive year, major industry partners join Orlando Science Center to celebrate the role interactive technology plays in the way we live, learn, work and play during Otronicon January 18-21, 2013.

This year, partners including EA SPORTS, Disney, University of Central Florida and Florida Hospital for Children demonstrate Orlando’s impact on the world of entertainment, simulation, education, training, healthcare and more. Plus, the Force is strong with the Science Center as guests can also check out the impressive display of movie artifacts in Star Wars®: Where Science Meets Imagination.
Otronicon is the Science Center’s largest annual event with an average of 2,500 visitors each day – more than 10,000 guests for all four days. The experience has the opportunity to inspire a child’s interest in science and tech careers through the appeal of video games, interactive technology and virtual reality.

There are also classes in video game creation as well as exclusive peeks at simulators created by local experts. Simulation areas will examine how video game technology is being used in the military, medical, sports and entertainment industries as a training and design tool. Plus, connect with local simulation companies to learn about exciting careers in the field.

The event promotes the concept of “made in Orlando, played in Orlando” with many chances to interact with the creative professionals that make the games you enjoy and discover the growing career opportunities in your own backyard.

What to Expect at Otronicon 2013:
• Otronicon is included with admission to the blockbuster exhibit Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination. This 10,000 square-foot display is the largest collection of Star Wars artifacts available anywhere. It explores the fantasy technologies depicted in the Star Wars films and its real world counterparts.
• Experience the virtual world through Virtusphere! Wear a wireless, head-mounted display while you walk or run immersed in a virtual environment set within a 10-foot hollow sphere that rotates freely in any direction according to your steps. Encounter aliens or explore exotic landscapes without leaving your hometown!
• Participate in workshops overseen by local digital media schools.
• Florida Hospital hosts Medical Sim City with demonstrations that include the innovative daVinci surgical robot among other advanced medical technology.
• Lockheed Martin hosts the military simulation area featuring cutting-edge flight simulators, driving simulators, student-built robots and other great military displays.
• Engage in outdoor laser tag hosted by Battlefield Live Orlando. Throw away the controller and headset for a “real life” gaming experience.
• And for the first-time ever at Otronicon, guests will also be able to see Hollywood movies in ultra high definition 3D including Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace 3D in the new Digital Adventure Theater!

Cost and Hours:
Otronicon is included with admission to Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination. Tickets are $27 for adults and $20 for youth (ages 3-11). Tickets also include access to all Otronicon activities, films and live presentations. Science Center members can experience Otronicon for free and see Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination for $12 for adults and $9 for youth (ages 3-11).
Otronicon is open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 18 and Saturday, Jan. 19; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 20 and Monday, Jan. 21.

For more information, please call 407-514-2000 or visit www.osc.org and www.otronicon.org.
Star Wars®: Where Science Meets Imagination
Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination, presented by Bose Corporation, was developed by the Museum of Science, Boston and Lucasfilm Ltd.

Lucasfilm, the Lucasfilm logo, STAR WARS® and related properties are trademarks and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. TM & © Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights reserved. All other trademarks and trade names are properties of their respective owners.

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0307875. Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

Otronicon 2013 Partners
University of Central Florida Research & Commercialization; University of Central Florida Institute for Simulation & Training; University of Central Florida College of Engineering and Computer Science; EA SPORTS; Bright House Networks; Florida Hospital for Children; Eyetech Digital System; Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy; Lockheed Martin; Florida High Tech Corridor; Engineering and Computer Simulations; Seay Business; National Center for Simulation; Walt Disney Park & Resorts; Advanced Materials Professional Services, LLC; Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission; Orange County Arts & Cultural Alliance; City of Orlando; United Arts of Central Florida; n-Space; Phyken, Inc.; GameSim Technologies; DeVry University.