Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrey Amand.
The story of Andrey Amand captured our attention due to his significant achievements in both scientific and professional fields, as well as his publications on topics related to innovative technologies, virtual and augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and their integration into industry and rehabilitation. His articles, published in esteemed scientific journals such as Interscience and the Intellectual Archive of Canada, along with his books, stand out for their depth and relevance.
Andrey Amand is the author of over 14 books, including works like Technological Aspects of Functional and Physiological Rehabilitation and Kart VR Evolution: The Immersive World in Virtual Reality, which have already gained recognition within the scientific community. His research spans a wide range of topics, from functional and physiological rehabilitation to the development of VR/AR technologies and artificial intelligence. Additionally, he is actively engaged in implementing innovations in industry, establishing himself as a leading expert in these fields.
Andrey Amand is also a member of several prestigious academic and professional organizations, including the International Academy of Sciences (IAS), the New York Academy of Sciences, the International Association of Scholars, Teachers, and Specialists, and the Association of Data Scientists. These memberships underscore his international recognition and contributions to the advancement of scientific and technical knowledge.
Thus, his work and publications have provided us with valuable insights and inspired us to conduct this interview.
Andrey, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My career started during my university years, where my passion for electronics and machines with moving parts led me to the exciting world of amusement rides and simulators. I quickly realized I had a knack for creating innovative solutions in various fields. Completing my MBA, focusing on strategic management and marketing, gave me a comprehensive understanding of the technical aspects and strategic promotion strategies in this dynamic industry. Understanding not only the mechanics of amusement rides, but also how they are perceived by the end user, became a crucial factor in my professional growth. After graduating, I knew I could offer something unique to the amusement park market. In 2010, I took on the challenge of creating a new division within a company specializing in franchise sales. I built a new team for in-house amusement ride production, ensuring quality control and innovation in manufacturing. Within six months, we developed and implemented 5D cinemas with radial screens on platforms with three and six degrees of freedom, marking a unique contribution to the entertainment industry. One of the defining moments in my career was the successful development and implementation of 5D and 7D cinemas, AR screens, simulators, and VR/AR applications, which garnered recognition in the entertainment market. These innovations not only set our products apart, but also established us as leaders in the field of high-tech entertainment. Today, I, Andrey Amand, am the owner and CEO of Akstend Group, a company specializing in the development and implementation of advanced technologies in the areas of artificial intelligence (AI), virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR), and data security systems. My passion for amusement rides and simulators has always been two-fold, combining both business aspects and personal ambitions. I strive to not only create a successful business, but also to contribute to the development of technologies that improve people’s lives and bring new experiences to the world of entertainment.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Of course, the path has not been smooth. Like any business, we have faced various challenges and obstacles. One of the most significant challenges has been bureaucratic difficulties in processing documents and tax reporting. Starting a business in Russia presents certain difficulties.
Another challenge was competition with China. We faced dumping from fraudsters, which also created additional hurdles. The high cost of production due to the import of components was a serious issue. The product creation process was long and required significant resources.
The necessity of a testing period added another level of complexity, as capital was needed for test samples. Additionally, there are very few specialists who understand this field, and they are very expensive. We need a department of programmers and a workshop for assembly, including metal and other materials.
Innovations require significant investments of time and resources, and it is not always possible to achieve the desired result immediately. For example, when developing our first 5D cinemas, we encountered technical problems that required numerous iterations and refinements.
It’s also worth mentioning the competition in the market. The entertainment and high-tech industries are very dynamic, and to stay at the forefront, it’s necessary to constantly adapt and improve. This requires continuous market research, trend analysis, and the search for new solutions.
Nevertheless, all these challenges only strengthened our team and made us stronger. We learned to respond quickly to changes, be flexible, and find unconventional solutions. As a result, we managed to turn many of these difficulties into opportunities for growth and development. Today, our business is developing on the global market.
As you know, we’re big fans of Akstend Group LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Our business, which started in Russia, has evolved into a global player in the entertainment and high-tech industry, with offices in various countries. We specialize in creating immersive experiences using advanced technologies such as 5D cinemas, VR and AR applications, and interactive entertainment solutions.
What sets us apart from others is our commitment to innovation and quality. We actively invest in research and development to ensure our products not only meet but exceed industry standards. Our team of highly skilled professionals, including programmers, engineers, and designers, continuously works to push the boundaries of what is possible in entertainment technology. We also have our own design department and AR/VR development division, which allows us to create unique solutions for our clients.
We are particularly proud of our ability to innovate and adapt. Our initial 5D cinemas, despite early technical challenges, have now become the industry standard. We have successfully expanded our product line to include various interactive and captivating technologies, such as VR cinemas (Cinema VR), virtual reality racing (Kart VR), flight simulators, and many others.
Our clients include large companies and government organizations, and we provide delivery and service worldwide. We strive to create products that not only entertain but also educate and inspire. We offer comprehensive support and service to ensure our clients can maximize their investments.
Our mission is to transform how people perceive entertainment and education through advanced technologies. We believe the future of entertainment is interactive and engaging, and we are excited to be at the forefront of this revolution.
What’s next?
We are planning to implement our most ambitious project yet, the “Flying Cinema,” along with a 96-seat VR Cinema in 2025/2026. These are two distinct projects that we are very excited about. The “Flying Cinema” aims to provide an unparalleled immersive experience, while the 96-seat VR Cinema will be one of the largest of its kind, offering a unique and engaging experience for a large audience.
Pricing:
- • Motion platforms start at $10,000
- • Content development from $15,000
- • Our most expensive product: Flying Cinema – $1.4 million
- • On average, our attractions/simulators range from $25,000 to $50,000
- Our products are highly competitive compared to those from other countries.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ar-vr.parkplay.ru
- Instagram: @andreyamand
- Other: info@parkplay.ru
