Ride maker Triotech unveiled its new gesture-led Maestro technology at IAAPA last week, as Merlin announced a third location for a dark ride using the technology.

Ninjago: The Ride, which has been confirmed for upcoming Ninjago-themed areas at Legoland California and Legoland Billund, is also coming to Legoland Malaysia.

Triotech’s Maestro technology means guests are able to interact and control their actions in the game simply by waving or sweeping their hands. In Ninjago: The Ride, these gestures will translate as throwing lightning bolts, shockwaves, ice and fire balls as the visitors are tasked with mastering the four elements.

“Ninjago: The Ride represents a new class of Legoland attraction in terms of technology, immersion and interactivity,” added Legoland Parks managing director Hans Aksel Pedersen. “The entire Merlin’s Magic Making team is excited to see how guests react to what will be a world first and completely unique theme park experience.”

The ride will be the centre point of a new Ninjago land. Guests will be “trained” there, taking part in interactive experiences before their “ultimate training session” on Ninjago: The Ride.

The technology works with sensors that detect the guest’s hand motion, and uses software that determines where the guest is aiming. That’s then translated into an image showing the projectile’s progress on screen.

The world-first technology will debut in spring 2016 at Legoland California and Legoland Billund, followed by Legoland Malaysia in November.

“Triotech’s Maestro hand gesture technology features the ultimate ergonomics: each guest uses his or her own hands, and this is why we call it Maestro,” said president and CEO of Triotech, Ernest Yale. “Just like an orchestra conductor, guests will create an amazing experience by using their hands. It’s very intuitive and adaptive to the guest’s playing style.”