If you want to see some of the most cutting edge simulators and robots rarely available to the public, they're in town right now at the 12th annual Otronicon at the Orlando Science Center.
Ron Handy is considered a legend of Otronicon, letting guests interact with his simulators since day one. His company, Phenix Design Group, makes components for the simulation industry.
"I had a hard time demonstrating some of the components because you've got to go to Los Angeles, you've got to go any place in the world," he told us during load-in day on Thursday.
As a result, Handy tricked out his car with a simulator chair in the passenger's seat and is now able to haul it anywhere.
Lockheed Martin is also returning to the expo with a handful of their custom-built simulators.
"If you haven't flown a helicopter before, it's a little difficult," smiled project manager Josh Kitain at our despicable attempt to fly the chopper.
The reason it's so tough is that their simulators are so realistic to actual flight that the Air Force uses them.
"So right now we're in Dubai, but you can travel anywhere," he said, watching over his colleague who was "in flight."
Otronicon even lets you interact with robotics used during surgery.
"We see things 10 times bigger [with] a lot more precise movements, even better than the actual hand of the surgeon, with no tremor at all," Dr. Pablo Gomez told us. He's the medical director of Pediatric Urology Robotics at Florida Hospital who's bringing in the robotic tools used to perform surgeries on kids.
Otronicon goes through Monday, Jan. 16. It's open until 5 p.m. each day.
Adult ($19.95)
Senior ($17.95)
Student ($17.95)
Youth ($13.95)
Two & Under (FREE)
For the first time ever, the Orlando Science Center's "Science Night Live" is taking place during Otronicon. So on Saturday night after regular hours close at 5pm, the museum opens back up at 8 p.m. for the special adults-only ticketed event.