There are a lot of processes behind coasters, as shown, and because of that new technology is being developed every day to help with these operations. From streamlining capacity to more safety measures, technology has been changing the way new coasters are built and run.
Some forms of new technology have been mentioned across this website before, such as virtual queues, however there are lots of technologies allowing improvements in this field beyond that.
Some of these technologies include:
Block zones and PLC Systems
Queuing technology
Track enhancements
Restraints
As mentioned in our overview of coaster processes, blocks are used as brakes for a coaster system. A block zone, is an area that has a block brake at the beginning and end. The rule of thumb (and law) is that for every train on the track, there needs to be one more block zone, so that trains are never in the same zone. This is so in the case of an emergency, there is always a brake between the trains. While this technology has been around for a very long time, something that has allowed it to progress is PLC systems. These systems track exactly when a train passes into a new zone, and tracks all the trains at the same time. It can also automatically implement these blocks in order to stop a train before it enters an occupied zone. The reason this technology is so important is because it allows for many more trains to be on tracks than before. Now rides like Hagrid's Motorbike Adventure can have up to 12 trains running simultaneously. That is a lot of trains, and that many operating at once increases the throughput level exponentially. Where before a ride like Incredicoaster would only run 2 of its 6 trains due to needing a larger lead between, now with PLC technology it can run 3 trains, with three block zones and a loading zone. Below is Space Mountain's block zones as an example, with both tracks each on average holding 13 trains at a time.
It is important to note that PLC is really changing the game on coasters coming out. More traditional coasters often do not have more than two to three block zones, so having PLC implemented would not offer much more capacity. Because there needs to be one more block zone than trains on the track, those older coasters are already at their max with one or two trains, and the investment necessary to set up the system is often implemented, as an attendant can monitor both trains.
Another enhancement in technology is with the queue. Earlier it was mentioned that mini-games and scavenger hunts have become common in queues. What has allowed this is the increase in technology. Disney is the king in this area, with their app called Disney Play. Riders with this app can activate themed games on their phones while in certain queues. These games usually relate to the queue at hand, and can at times include physical elements on the queue. An example of this is Space Mountain. Space Mountain's queue games on this app include a scavenger hunt to find "all 21 alien phrases" within Space Mountain's queue. This keeps riders aware of movement in the queue and moving forward, without gathering the negative emotions from the long wait time. Technology like motion capture has also been invested in queues for games to help future riders pass the time.
Track enhancements are another large technological innovation in recent years. One such is the flip track. This track changes once a train has gone over it once to a new piece, which connects to the track and the train runs over to go to a new section of the coaster. This is mainly used on coasters that use the backwards function, such as Hagrid's and Expedition Everest. While Everest has the old form of these, Hagrid's has the newest innovation. These tracks swap fast and secure enough that they change while the train is still moving, unlike in Everest where the train is paused and reverses after the rail is secure. This lightning fast lane change is a feat of technology, and allows for a much broader scope of rides to exist.
Another track enhancement that is being more widely used is multiple launches. Yet again Hagrid's is an excellent example of this. Most coasters have one launch or crest, the initial acceleration, then they rely on gravity for much of the track. Hagrid's, using electromagnet fins in the track, is able to have 6 accelerations (and a mini-initial launch). These fins are relatively new compared to the older form of electromagnet acceleration, which was plates on the track. These fins are also adjustable, so they only accelerate the train the exact amount needed for the "optimal" speed in the next section.
he final area where there have been significant enhancements is restraints. There are lots of versions of restraints in coasters, and no coaster has no restraints, even if it is just a simple lap bar. There are several technologies that enhance this aspect, and keep riders safer than they would be otherwise. One is RFID. This is used in park enhancement (Magic Bands) like photo-passes, and now in safety. For Hagrid's, RFID is used once attendants have verified the restraints are properly fastened. This is different than most rides, which have a computer automated system that only engages the ride once all seats are properly fastened. Having RFID speeds up the process in this ride though. By having the safety check engage the all clear, it means that the attendant does not have to fasten each restraint. That sounds counterintuitive, however many attendants have extra time taken up by fastening empty seats. Because there are odd numbers of parties, a seat usually ends up empty on a couple trains. By taking away the time necessary to fasten and check that restraint, this coaster is able to keep operations moving quickly, and increase the throughput time.
A better understanding of what restraints are needed at what speed is also gaining more traction. While in the past, any "intense" (i.e. went upside down) coaster need over the shoulder restraints, this is no longer the case. Now coasters have a myriad of options to choose from, and even a resident coaster at Lagoon, Cannibal, is able to use a lap-only restraint despite having complete inversion at several points.
In conclusion, there are a lot of technologies enhancing the way roller coasters are run, increasing efficiency and safety.