Universal Studios has filed patents for new safety technology, including sensor-equipped seats and robotic track inspectors, two months after a man died on a ride at its Epic Universe park in Orlando. The patents, published this week and viewed by The Independent, aim to detect problems before and during ride operation.
The technology comes after the death of 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala on September 17. His family said multiple warning signs were missed, and an investigation is ongoing. Witnesses reported that Zavala was slumped over with blood, and staff appeared panicked. The Orange County Medical Examiner ruled his death an accident due to multiple blunt force impact injuries.
One patent, titled Seat Assembly Sensors and Controls, describes seats with sensors that monitor a rider's body position and automatically adjust restraints. Sensors in the seat and harnesses detect forces or pressures exerted by the passenger. Another patent involves robotic rails that move along roller coaster tracks to identify safety concerns in real time.
The filings indicate the patents were submitted in April, months before Zavala's death. Ben Crump, representing Zavala's family, said several witnesses have come forward, including people on the rollercoaster and others who suffered injuries. He noted that a woman recently filed a lawsuit claiming her head shook violently and slammed into the headrest throughout the ride.
Theme park analyst Tharin White said the new tech would save time and money, allowing rides to check passenger comfort and safety automatically. Universal Studios has not commented on the investigation or patents.
