The key to the convergence of fitness and technology is often times the development of new technology. This week we heard about the new MotionPod hardware from Movea, a leading developer of motion technology. This new gizmo is a wireless miniaturized, Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) that uses MEMS sensors to accurately measure 9 Degree-of-Freedom (DOF) motion with a PCB module that is only the size of a small watch.
This patented hardware solution for motion sensing incorporates a 3-axis accelerometer, as well as a 3-axis gyroscope and a 3-axis magnetometer in a single package that further includes built-in software and a wireless interface. As an off-the-shelf component it is ready to be used in a variety of applications including fitness, sports and gaming – or a competition of the three.
“The MotionPod is a perfect solution for the health and fitness market,” explained Sam Guilaumé, Movea’s CEO. “This nine-axis sensing device provides precise, real-time angular information with a dynamic accuracy of 1 degree, enabling very accurate measurement of rehabilitation and fitness activities. We’re very excited that RM Ingénierie has selected Movea’s MotionPod for their innovative rehabilitation solution.”
The MotionPods will capable of providing information including range of motion, rotation, speed, and acceleration. Multiple MotionPods can also be networked to gather information simultaneously from different parts of the body for applications such as performance analysis and full body motion capture. Each MotionPod has a built-in, 2.4GHz wireless transmitter that uses Movea’s proprietary wireless technology to deliver a range of up to 30m (100 ft) with very low power consumption to maximise battery life, providing up to 8 hours of usage. Data from the MotionPod is transmitted wireless to a receiver that’s connected to a computer via a standard USB connection. Up to 32 MotionPods can be connected to a single MotionController.
So while final products aren’t yet available, and actually have yet to be developed, we’ll be watching for this one. It sounds like the kind of technology that could be a real game changer.
I believe that something got “lost in translation”. Unless you are crossing space/time barriers, I believe there are only 6 degrees of freedom possible (3 linear, 3 rotational). Their website lists nine sensors (3 gyro, 3 accel, and 3 magnet), but not 9 DOF being measured.