The Birdly flight simulator is an immersive virtual reality experience that allows users to fly like a bird using VR goggles, motion controllers, and a special platform. Developed by Swiss company Somniacs, Birdly aims to make users feel as if they have wings and can soar through the air and explore breath-taking landscapes. But such an advanced and high-tech simulator doesn’t come cheap. In this article, we’ll take a close look at the different pricing options and packages available for Birdly to help you understand exactly how much it costs to take flight with this unique VR experience.
Standard Birdly Package
The standard Birdly package is what you would purchase if you want to set up a permanent installation of the simulator. This includes everything you need for one user at a time to enjoy the Birdly experience.
The standard Birdly package is priced at $80,000 USD.
This includes:
- 1 Birdly robot
- 1 Oculus Rift VR headset
- 2 Oculus Touch motion controllers
- 1 computer system with Birdly software installed
- 1 fan accessory for wind simulation
- Technical support and maintenance for 1 year
The Birdly robot is the specialized platform that users lay down on to experience the simulation. Sensors and motors allow the robot to move and tilt in sync with the VR visuals to create an incredibly immersive flying sensation.
The Oculus Rift provides the stereoscopic 3D visuals with a 110-degree field of view while the Oculus Touch controllers track hand movements and allow users to control their flight with realistic wing motions.
The computer system runs the Birdly software and seamlessly integrates the visuals, motion platform, and controls into one unified experience.
The fan accessory mounts onto the front of the Birdly robot and simulates the feeling of wind rushing over the user’s body as they fly through the air. This adds to the realism of the simulation.
So in summary, for $80,000 you get everything needed for one user at a time to enjoy unlimited flights with Birdly. Support for the first year is included as well.
Multiple User Packages
In addition to the standard single user package, Birdly offers pricing for facilities that want multiple Birdly simulators set up to handle more users. These packages include:
2 Birdly Package
– 2 Birdly robots
– 2 Oculus Rift VR headsets
– 4 Oculus Touch controllers
– 2 computer systems
– 2 fan accessories
– Support and maintenance for 1 year
Price: $150,000 USD
4 Birdly Package
– 4 Birdly robots
– 4 Oculus Rift VR headsets
– 8 Oculus Touch controllers
– 4 computer systems
– 4 fan accessories
– Support and maintenance for 1 year
Price: $280,000 USD
6 Birdly Package
– 6 Birdly robots
– 6 Oculus Rift VR headsets
– 12 Oculus Touch controllers
– 6 computer systems
– 6 fan accessories
– Support and maintenance for 1 year
Price: $400,000 USD
Location-Based Entertainment Licensing
For companies that want to set up Birdly simulators as part of a temporary location-based entertainment installation or theme park attraction, Birdly offers a licensing model.
This allows for short term rentals of the equipment instead of a permanent purchase. Licensing agreements can range from 1 day to 1 year.
Pricing for temporary location-based entertainment licensing of a 2 simulator setup starts at $2,000 USD per day. Discounts are offered for longer term rentals.
This includes rental of:
– 2 Birdly robots
– 2 Oculus Rift VR headsets
– 4 Oculus Touch Controllers
– 2 computer systems
– 2 fan accessories
– Setup and technical support
So for example, a 1-month licensing agreement for a 2 simulator Birdly setup would cost around $60,000 USD. A 6 month agreement would be around $240,000 USD.
Location-based entertainment vendors can contact Birdly directly to get a precise quote for their specific needs and timeframe.
Additional Hardware Extras
On top of the standard packages, Birdly offers some optional hardware add-ons for added realism and capabilities:
Birdly Motion Platform
– For larger scale commercial installations, Birdly offers a deluxe motion platform with 6 degrees of freedom and precision positioning technology for the ultimate immersive experience.
– This provides motion feedback in all dimensions as you tilt, dive, and maneuver through the air for unparalleled realism.
– Price: $20,000 USD per unit.
Birdly Scent Generator
– Scent emitters can be programmed to release specific scents during different parts of the simulation like forest pine or fresh ocean air.
– Adds another layer of immersion to make you feel like you’re really flying over these environments.
– Price: $5,000 USD per unit.
VR Backpack Option
– For untethered freedom of movement, the computer system can be mounted in a VR backpack worn by the user.
– Allows users to walk around and explore the virtual world more freely and naturally.
– Price: $1,500 USD per unit.
Custom Branded Software
– For companies that want a fully customized and branded Birdly experience tailored to their business.
– Custom environments and gameplay scenarios can be developed.
– Price starts at $10,000 USD depending on scope.
So in summary there are a range of optional hardware and software add-ons available to take the Birdly simulation to the next level for commercial clients.
Ongoing Fees
In addition to the upfront costs of purchasing or licensing the Birdly equipment, there are some ongoing fees to factor in for permanent installations:
– **Annual Support & Maintenance:** After the initial year of support included with purchase, ongoing maintenance and support costs $8,000 USD per Birdly robot per year. This ensures continued technical assistance and any needed software updates.
– **Software Licenses:** Since Birdly utilizes commercial game engines like Unity and Unreal Engine for its technical framework, there are annual licensing fees to use these platforms. For each simulator unit this costs around $1,500 USD per year.
– **Headset & Controller Replacement:** With heavy ongoing use, headsets and controllers will need periodic replacement every 2-3 years. Budget around $1,000 USD per headset and $250 per controller.
So for example, the total ongoing fees for a 2 simulator setup would be around $25,000 USD per year. This covers maintenance, software licenses, and a headset/controller reserve fund. Be sure to account for these recurring costs in operating budgets long-term.
Conclusion
While not cheap, the Birdly flight simulator offers an unparalleled VR experience that can’t be matched by anything else on the market today. For commercial operations and entertainment venues, it provides an incredible draw and revenue opportunity for guests eager to take flight.
Here is a summary of the key pricing details covered in this article:
– Standard 1 simulator package – $80,000 USD
– Multi-simulator packages – Starting at $150,000 for 2 units
– Location-based entertainment licensing – Starts at $2,000/day for 2 simulator rental
– Optional platform/hardware addons – $5,000-$20,000 each
– Ongoing annual fees – Around $25,000/year for 2 simulators
For many businesses, an investment in Birdly can pay off handsomely in the long run by offering a truly unique customer experience. While not affordable for individual home use, for commercial operations Birdly delivers an unparalleled VR adventure that makes the significant price worthwhile.
