Interactive Science Exhibit & 3D Rover Simulator
ASI Lunar Rover
Drive a rover, control it's robotic arm and craft tools
Lunar Lab is a space-themed interactive exhibition for a children's museum. We developed the Rover installation within Lunar Lab for the Italian Space Agency - ASI and Explora, Il Museo Dei Bambini Di Roma as part of an exhibit about moon and space exploration. The game is designed to teach the young visitors about the collection and use of resources in space.
How the rover experience works
Visitors are presented with a fully explorable virtual moon surface and their own rover to drive. The aim of the game is to collect different ores (under the family of Regolith) and bring them to different lunar labs in order to craft new materials. The experience features two main mechanics:
- Driving and exploring moon surface to go to labs and mining point
- Mine the ores
This meant developing both an explorable 3D world with driving mechanics and a working real-time map, and a mining interaction. We decided to develop the mining action as a mini game where the camera shifts, and, using the joystick, the player can collect the ores. After collecting the ores, players drive to the laboratory where, during the processing of the material, a short summary about the ore is provided, teaching them about its importance and uses
Hardware and interaction
Creating a stimulating and engaging environment for the visitors was the focus at every stage. This is why we worked alongside the client to develop a hardware solution that complemented the digital experience perfectly.
The installation features:
- A child-size rover replica, where visitors can sit in a driving-sim-like setup.
- A joystick to drive the virtual rover and control the arm.
- A 52” screen to display real-time 3D graphics.
- A secondary screen with additional UI and information for the player.
One of the main design challenges was to mix a playful aesthetic and mechanics with scientific accuracy. Some care was given not just to the ores and the rover but also about lunar atmosphere and lighting.
Foto: Archivio Explora - Il museo dei bambini
Looking for something like this?
At Segmento Futuro, we specialise in interactive experiences for museums and cultural institutions. Our work focuses on delivering exhibits that engage visitors, and brings them back to your halls consistently. We work with museums and cultural institutions in Italy, Spain, UK, and across Europe. If you are planning your next exhibit or immersive experience, get in touch via our contact form to talk to our team today, and find out how we can help.
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