AUSTIN, Texas - In today's digital-first world where children and teens expect tech-forward, responsive, and social experiences, KOMPAN drew on its more than 50 years of user-based playground research and development to create OrbitPlay™. The interactive play equipment bridges digital engagement and physical activity by combining play, movement, learning, and social interaction to foster multigenerational engagement in the outdoors.

OrbitPlay™ creates dynamic play through three elements: a hot-dipped galvanized steel arch, six intelligent touch sensors, and the PlayHub, a sunlight-readable LED screen featuring regularly updated games that encourage cooperation, response time, memory, and problem-solving. Powered by an external 100-230V AC supply, OrbitPlay™ is energy efficient, consuming approximately 0.5 kWh during six hours of daily operation. Integrated LEDs and sound enable the system to respond to player actions in real time, creating movement-driven play experiences that evolve with every interaction.

 
OrbitPlay™ includes 10 years of data connectivity for health monitoring, user statistics, remote maintenance, and ongoing game updates, helping keep the experience current and the equipment operating smoothly.

To better understand the impact of interactive play equipment in a traditional play space, researchers from the KOMPAN Play Institute completed a weeklong study in July 2026 at the Bledsoe-Miller STEAM Center playground in Waco, Texas, home to the first OrbitPlay™ structure in the United States. Led by Suzanne Quinn, Ph.D., manager of the KOMPAN Play Institute, the study explored visitor demographics, travel patterns, playground preferences, and engagement of the space-themed playground's OrbitPlay™ structure.

"We have conducted many playground use studies, and this is the first time we've been able to compare usage data with visitor feedback," said Suzanne Quinn, Ph.D. "My initial takeaway from the STEAM Center playground was how OrbitPlay™ can break the ice across generations, from young children who need help reaching the tallest sensors to adult caretakers drawn into its gamification. For the small space it requires, it is a massively successful play starter. We're excited to further explore the benefits of digital, interactive play."

With a footprint of 16 feet, 9 inches by 5 feet, 8 inches, OrbitPlay™ is well suited for playgrounds with space constrictions or landscape-led environments where strong play value can be introduced without the bulk of traditional, static play structures. The published fall height of zero inches eliminates the need for dedicated safety surfacing, simplifying site planning and installation.

About KOMPAN
Since 1970, KOMPAN has helped create happier and healthier communities through outdoor play and fitness solutions. Rooted in design and guided by user-based research methods, KOMPAN products are made to challenge, thrill, and delight users of all abilities. KOMPAN believes play and fitness should be accessible to everyone and leads product development with inclusive, universal design principles. To minimize its environmental impact, KOMPAN has committed to third-party verified, award-winning greener practices, offering components made from up to 95% post-consumer recycled waste materials.

To see more from KOMPAN on LADetails, go to: https://landscapearchitect.com/ladetails/landscape-supplier/kompan,-inc.