From February 18 to 21 Otronicon, the interactive technology expo and science festival, returns to the Orlando Science Center with virtual reality, robots, simulators, video games, guest speakers, competitions, workshops, live shows, demonstrations and so much more!
Otronicon, presented by UCF Office of Research, is back fully onsite and in-person this year to offer a unique opportunity for everyone to experience and explore how science and technology is helping us all move forward together.
Participants can operate highly specialized surgical robots, explore fascinating STEM careers, and discover how the latest advancements in immersive virtual reality are helping us make the world a better place.
For example, see how the immersive experiences at the Walt Disney World Resort are made possible by utilizing science and technology in a wide variety of ways. Then explore a virtual nature park through the fully immersive CAVEs exhibit, thanks to the team at the University of Central Florida. Trekkies, if you’re imagining the holodeck, you’re on the right track. And if you’d rather deconstruct technology than interact with it, “Take it Apart” is your opportunity to take peek behind the curtain and see what goes on behind the screens.
Otronicon continues to evolve alongside the innovators we feature every year. This year, the event begins its expansion into a community-wide science festival. Smaller community events prior to Otronicon will set the stage for engagement and exploration on how technology is changing our lives.
The event is also focused on promoting groups that are historically underrepresented in STEM fields. There will be workshops hosted by Black Architects in the Making, Black Orlando Tech, the Society of Women Engineers and many others. Otronicon will also host panel discussions on diversity in STEM and building inclusive communities in the science and technology sectors.
In addition to Walt Disney World, participants include returning favorites like AdventHealth for Children, University of Central Florida, U.S. Navy/Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division (NAWCTSD), and FIRST Robotics. Otronicon welcomes new partners like Rake Technologies, Inc., Soulcade Interactive, LLC, Burns & McDonnell and the Manufacturers Association of Central Florida and many more.
There is a greater focus on live shows this year with performances by WeFlip Entertainment using acrobatics to illustrate physics and Spheres Bubble Show with a fusion of art, science and magic.
Guests will be able to explore the all-new exhibit, Science Fiction, Science Future, which showcases the innovations that classic science fiction predicted for our future while you imagine what comes next. Tablet computers, GPS, automatic doors and even biometric health data tracking were all just figments of the imagination when they first appeared on Star Trek in the 1960s. Now, these devices are commonplace. What technological wonders await us tomorrow? Step inside this exhibit and find out.
Otronicon began in 2006 as an opportunity to explore how videogame technology was impacting how you live, learn, work and play. If you like to game, Otronicon is still the place for you. From the game developer showcase to competitions by Powder Keg Games, there is something to satisfy every console jockey. Otronicon welcomes all lifelong learners, from the tech curious to the seriously savvy. Regardless of your background, whether you work in the tech industry or just have a passion for discovery, this event will engage your mind and spark your curiosity with demonstrations of exoskeleton devices, planetary tours, animal encounters and so much more.
OTRONICON HOURS, ADMISSION & MORE
Otronicon is open February 18–22 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission to Otronicon is FREE for OSC members, $21 for adults, $19 for seniors and students, and $15 for youth (ages 2-11). For more information, please call 407.514.2000.
SAFETY GUIDELINES
Face coverings are currently required for all visitors, ages 3 and up, regardless of vaccination status. For more information visit www.osc.org/reopening-plan/
Follow us for more updates:
