References
Case Study: Berghof Control Systems Enables a World First at Ravensburger Spieleland

World premiere at Ravensburger Spieleland: Innovative ride control system

Eisenmann Elektrohängebahn Intralogistik

Project Background and Client:

The aufwind Group, headquartered in Malterdingen near Freiburg im Breisgau, is a full-service advertising and digital agency that offers a broad portfolio of marketing, digital, and experiential solutions; Its division, aufwind RIDES, specializes in the development and implementation of complex rides and immersive attractions such as flying theaters, dark rides, simulators, and interactive experience vehicles for amusement parks, trade shows, and events.

Project Management

Simon Hübner, Head of Development at aufwind RIDES, is responsible for the design, further development, and technical implementation of new ride systems—from planning and manufacturing through to on-site installation and commissioning.

Client

The project was commissioned by Ravensburger Spieleland, a renowned amusement park known for its innovative and family-friendly attractions.

Ravensburger Spieleland was looking for an attraction manufacturer that could combine technological innovations and ideas with sustainable solutions to bring the classic Ravensburger board game Scotland Yard to life. The goal was to develop a world-first attraction that offers a unique experience where families can interactively hunt for Mr. X, just like in the game itself.

Entry requirements

The main challenge was to develop a highly complex, safety-critical, yet extremely flexible control system that:

meets the high safety standards required for amusement park rides
offers maximum programming flexibility for custom
ride logic
reliably integrated various subsystems
ensures stable, high-performance real-time control

Based on previous positive experiences, we considered partnering with Berghof Automation at an early stage.

The Solution

Technical Concept

Working closely with regulatory authorities and safety experts, a comprehensive safety and control concept was first developed. The goal was to create a solution that meets the highest safety standards while also providing the necessary flexibility for complex motion sequences.

The decision was made to use the Berghof CC Slim S05 Dualcore controller, supplemented by a separate safety controller.

Central Control:
Berghof CC Slim S05 Dualcore for controlling turntables and motion platforms, rolling gates, sliding gates, and curtains

Block control:
Continuous monitoring of vehicle locations. Issuing of travel authorizations to ensure safe, smooth operations

Safety Control:
Communication via EtherCAT for monitoring and enforcing safe states

Vehicle control:
Each vehicle is equipped with two redundant controllers, also B-Fortis CC-Slim Duo. Safety-critical sensor data is evaluated redundantly. One of the controllers also handles navigation and steering in the tight driving layout

Motion and Media Integration:
Motion data is transmitted from a media server to the Berghof controller via TCP. Synchronized control of the servo axes for realistic motion sequences

Berghof controllers are easy to use, deliver high performance, and, thanks to open interfaces, can be used flexibly in virtually any application.

Simon Hübner, Head of Development at aufwind RIDES

Making Decisions

During the selection process, several control systems—including those from Berghof, Festo, Wago,
and Weidmüller—were thoroughly compared.

The deciding factors in favor of Berghof were:

Excellent value for money
Open, versatile interface architecture
High performance combined with easy integration
Great programming flexibility

The implementation:

One of the biggest challenges was achieving Performance Level C (PL C) for the autonomous vehicles without limiting the necessary programming flexibility.

This was achieved through:

Programming in Structured Text (ST) for maximum flexibility
Redundant design of the vehicle control systems
Intelligent distribution of safety-critical sensors across both control systems

This made it possible to achieve the required safety level while supporting complex driving functions.

The new attraction was successfully put into live operation in September 2025. Despite its high technical complexity, the system operated very stably and reliably throughout the remainder of the season.

Outlook:

Based on the positive results of this project, several additional attractions are already in the planning stages, including:

a new ride featuring autonomous vehicles
another attraction with a proven rail system and integrated motion platform

Berghof’s control solutions will once again be used in these projects.

The close cooperation with Berghof ensures planning reliability, economic stability, and technological sustainability. This positions aufwind RIDES ideally to successfully master future challenges in the amusement park and experience industry.

How can we help you?

We look forward to receiving your call or e-mail. You are also welcome to send us a message using our contact form. We will contact you as soon as possible.

Contact form

Jasmin Franke Sales

+49 7121 894-276 controls@berghof.com