Natural muscle fibers are made up of spring-like proteins that can contract and stretch without losing their original form, dissipate mechanical energy as heat, and maintain incredible tensile strength for all sorts of physical functions. Engineers at Washington University in St. Louis have replicated those proteins using synthetic biology approaches to create a new category of biomaterials for use in medicine, textiles and agriculture.“Many muscle proteins share similar immunoglobulin-like (Ig) structures while bearing diverse amino acid sequences. These natural materials provide great inspiration for designing the next-generation of protein-based materials”, said Fuzhong Zhang, the Francis F. Ahmann Professor in the Department of Energy, Environmental &amp; Chemical Engineering and co-director of the Synthetic Biology Manufacturing of Advanced Materials Research Center (SMARC). Zhang and his team, including PhD student and first author Shri Venkatesh Subramani, have published results of the fiber fabrication in the journal <a href="https://advanced.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/adfm.202529451">Advanced Functional Materials.</a>Subramani explained that nature has evolved numerous protein materials, like silk, collagen and muscle. They are often useful for various applications, yet they are notoriously difficult  to manufacture at scale, so Zhang’s lab takes a synthetic biology approach, growing genetically modified microbes in bioreactors to produce them. In this case, the team created various muscle proteins in bioreactors and turned them into threads, strong threads unlike any other.Working in collaboration with Sinan Keten, the Jan &amp; Marcia Achenbach Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Northwestern University, and his research group, the team used these muscle-inspired fibers to understand the design rules that can lead to an ideal material product. The team found that fibers derived from the filamin protein showed a combination of high tensile strength, toughness, damping capacity, shape recovery and remarkable mechanical stability under high humidity and high heat conditions.“The more hydrophobic the structure is, the better fiber properties you get,” said Subramani.The fiber is superior to the current roster of protein-based materials in that it does not shrink much under high humidity, a problem that limits the application of many spider silk-based materials.The process of producing the protein is also more stable and provides higher yields because of the greater variety of amino acids it includes, compared to other PBMs, noted Subramani.“That’s one limitation of existing materials that we’ve solved,” he said.There are many other applications for these new fibers. Next step for the research is to scale up production and evaluate its potential in different markets. It could be a very valuable material for use in designing active wear, biomedical implants, tissue scaffolds and even creating “fake meat.”Animal-based protein is just muscle fiber, what if they could grow that muscle without the animal?“Since these are just regular muscle proteins that have the same processes as animal muscle. It can be processed into a meat-like structure,” said Subramani.<hr />V. Subramani, Q. Guo, H. Gao, et al. “ Muscle-Inspired Fibers from Immunoglobulin Domains Combine Superior Mechanical Performance, Energy Damping, and Shape Memory Properties.” Advanced Functional Materials (2026): e29451. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202529451">https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202529451</a>This work is funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation (award numbers DMR-2207879 to FZ and OIA-2219142 to FZ and SK).

Researchers at WashU have created protein fibers inspired by various animal muscle proteins. These materials are grown in bioreactors and can be stronger than many synthetic fibers. (Image: generated in ChatGPT)

Engineers create biomaterial that behaves like animal muscle fibers

Putting some 'muscle' into material design

Ghost Dance is a research project out of Lusófona University that sets out to explore the value of human connection and how it can be recreated with a virtual dance partner. Project directors Cecilia de Lima and Rui Antunes looked to inertial motion capture to create fluid motions that real-life dancers could perform alongside. Challenge: The Ghost Dance team needed to build a 3D model based on dancers' movements to test the relationship between virtual and real-life performers. Creating a realistic model posed a significant challenge. Solution: Inertial motion capture technology allowed dancers to record an entire routine with maximum comfort and accuracy. The result was a virtual partner with smooth motions, making for a natural performance with its real-life counterpart.Key takeaways <ul><li>A diverse range of motion: Even complex movements in contemporary dance can be tracked with inertial sensors</li><li>Efficient recording: Entire choreographed performances were recorded quickly, to work around time restrictions in the dance studio</li><li>Comfortable wear: Dancers could perform unobstructed thanks to the adjustable nature of Xsens wearable technology</li><li>Fluid results: The virtual dance partner moved smoothly, creating a high sense of realism during the performance</li></ul>Studying the importance of human touchBefore beginning the project, the <a href="https://ghostdance.ulusofona.pt/outcomes/publications" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ghost Dance</a> directors had two main goals. “The first was to understand the need for physical, bodily presence between humans,” says Rui Antunes, Director. “In the new era of technology, we seem to be growing further apart, and we wanted to see whether this had an impact on our wellbeing.” To explore this, the team planned to use VR goggles to compare dancing with a human partner and a virtual counterpart. “We wanted to find out what happens when a human body interacts with a virtual entity,” explains Cecilia de Lima, Director. “We knew it would make for a completely different experience, but we needed to find out how and why.” The other part of Cecilia and Rui’s project was to see if virtual dance partners could improve via machine learning. The digital counterparts were created from the dancer’s movements, but they wanted to see if they could develop their own routines based on the information provided.To achieve these goals, extensive planning was put into place to find the right technology.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1742888563673-Ghost+dance+Performance+Dancing+a+duet+with+avatar+2.jpg" style="width:100%px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" />Building a virtual dance partner This complex project required not only a skilled team, but a set of specialized technology to record the dancers’ performances and transform them into a digital counterpart.Dancers use movements that aren’t typical in day-to-day life, so it was crucial to have a motion capture system to accommodate that complexity. “The Xsens system could accurately record their movements for a perfect translation into a 3D model,” says Rui. Inertial sensors contain accelerometers and gyroscopes, tracking the joint rotation and velocity of the subject. This pinpoint precision allowed for lifelike movements in the virtual dance partner, making a more natural experience for the real-life dancers.“Comfort is essential when dancing,” explains Cecilia. “We needed the motion capture technology to be unobtrusive to get the best results.” The system consists of 17 sensors, which all strap individually onto the body, making each one adjustable to the wearer’s preferences. Having this comfort led to more natural, fluid moves to create the virtual partner. <img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1742888595821-Ghost+dance+Motion+Capture+for+Avatar+Dance+duets+7.jpg" style="width:100%px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" />Machine learning for virtual dance partnersAfter the dancers were recorded and the virtual partners were made, Cecilia and Rui needed to see whether they could develop from the base-level data. To do this, they created machine-learning algorithms to put the models to the test.A machine cannot make subjective decisions, so the team found a solution to objectify and quantify the dancers’ movements. “The eight Laban efforts are commonly used in theatre and dance classes to expand students’ creativity,” says Cecilia. “These are basic movements, including punching, wringing, and pressing, that a robot could easily identify.”From this information, Cecilia and Rui hope to develop a virtual dance partner that can make its own organic moves in time with a real-life dancer. “Inertial motion capture was the perfect choice for this type of research,” continues Rui. “We had a well-built model that was based on real movement, which provided a baseline for machine learning.”“The research project was incredibly enlightening on the importance of human connection,” concludes Cecilia. “Virtual dance partners are not currently able to replace real ones.” Small sensations, such as breaths and footsteps, are vital when dancing cohesively with a partner. At this stage of technology development, these nuances are not available digitally. However, that’s not to say it won’t happen in the future. Ghost Dance proved that in the future, this could be a feasible alternative to dancing with a real counterpart. It seems increasingly possible when using inertial motion capture to create the basis of the digital partner.Using Xsens meant that the dancers could perform freely, with no need to adjust choreography. This led to an optimal experience when dancing with a virtual partner. <img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1742888642787-Ghost+dance+Overlay+of+virtual+and+real+partners+dancing+3.png" style="width:100%px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" />

With Inertial Motion Capture

Ghost Dance: Building a virtual dance partner

In this episode, we discuss how CalTech researchers have created bionic jellyfish to help us explore the oceans and better understand the impacts of climate change.

Podcast: Jellyfish Cyborgs Help Explore The Oceans & Solve Climate Change

The digital revolution has undeniably transformed how we access information and complete tasks, with laptops, tablets, and smartphones becoming ubiquitous companions in both our personal and professional lives. While these devices offer undeniable benefits, their constant use can also pose new challenges to our well-being, raising concerns about potential impacts on visual health and musculoskeletal function.One emerging area of concern is the intersection of presbyopia, a natural age-related decline in near vision, and the use of progressive lenses. These lenses, often referred to as 'no-line bifocals', &nbsp;provide wearers with a seamless transition between near and far vision, addressing the challenges of presbyopia. However, research suggests that the way we use progressive lenses, with their specific viewing zones, may subtly alter our head and neck postures, potentially leading to discomfort or even musculoskeletal disorders.To shed light on this issue, FREMAP, a leading Spanish mutual benefit association, embarked on a <a href="https://practicapreventiva.fremap.es/2023/02/09/uso-de-dispositivos-digitales-con-gafas-progresivas/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">research</a> study to objectively assess the impact of progressive lenses on workplace ergonomics. Their primary objective was to quantify the visual and postural changes associated with using these lenses in a typical workstation environment. <img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzEwODM2NzM4NDQxLWVtaWFwLTEuanBnIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Worker wearing progressive lenses with the Xsens motion capture sensors to analyze postural changesTo achieve this objective, the research team, led by National Ergonomics Consultant at FREMAP Prevention, D. Antonio Emir Díaz Martínez, employed <a href="https://www.movella.com/products/motion-capture" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Xsens Motion Capture technolog</a>y, specifically an upper body configuration with 11 strategically placed inertial sensors. This system was integrated with FREMAP's own ergonomics recording, analysis and representation software, utilizing <a href="https://www.movella.com/products/motion-capture/mvn-analyze" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Xsens Analyze Pro</a> for data processing. This setup allowed for the accurate capture and analysis of human movement and posture data.Antonio Emir Díaz Martínez, commented: "The use of this system allows us to quantify, concisely, precisely, and without interference with normal working conditions, the postural requirements of the cervical spine in workplaces with screens for data visualization. This is thanks to having a software solution that removes the possible interferences caused by local magnetic fields."By leveraging Xsens Motion Capture, the FREMAP researchers were able to quantify the precise head and neck movements associated with using progressive lenses while interacting with a computer screen.The research involved monitoring the grazing and cervical spine movements of a worker wearing progressive glasses while they interacted with a computer workstation. To ensure standardized conditions, the upper part of the screen was positioned at eye level, maintaining a distance of 60 cm from the worker. Additionally, the worker's posture was controlled by having them maintain their back against the chair's backrest and their elbows bent at an angle of approximately 80 degrees.Research Findings and RecommendationsThe analysis revealed that participants maintained consistent neck extension throughout the study, exceeding recommended ergonomic limits. This posture is likely linked to the need to look through the lower portion of progressive lenses for optimal near vision. While neck turning remained within acceptable limits, occasional lateral tilts suggest further ergonomic adjustments may be necessary.Based on the findings, the research makes the following recommendations for progressive lens users.<ul><li>Screen Positioning:&nbsp;Ensure the screen is positioned correctly for optimal viewing. Adjust the viewing distance based on task and screen size (400-750 mm for common office monitors). Consider increasing font size for individuals with progressive lenses to increase viewing distance and minimize reliance on the lower lens segment.</li><li>Screen Height: For progressive lens users, reduce the screen height significantly compared to the standard recommendation of aligning the top of the screen with eye level. This helps avoid neck extension for viewing through the lower lens zone.</li><li>Document Holders: Utilize adjustable lecterns or document holders to facilitate switching between digital and printed materials, minimizing strain on eye accommodation.</li><li>Recovery Breaks:&nbsp;Encourage frequent breaks to rest the eyes and change posture, especially for those wearing progressive lenses.</li><li>Occupational Spectacles: For individuals with presbyopia and prolonged digital device use, consider occupational spectacles specifically designed for computer work.</li><li>Training and Awareness:&nbsp;Educate first-time progressive lens users about adaptation exercises and the importance of adjusting their workstation layout. Encourage them to adopt healthy postural habits and avoid extended periods of static posture at their workstation.</li></ul>By implementing these recommendations, individuals who rely on progressive lenses can create a more ergonomically friendly workspace and potentially mitigate the risks associated with prolonged computer use.This research project by FREMAP provides valuable insights into the potential impact of progressive lenses on workplace ergonomics. By utilizing advanced motion capture technology like Xsens, the study offers a quantifiable and objective perspective on this complex issue. The findings can help inform future research, guide the development of ergonomic interventions, and ultimately contribute to promoting healthy workplace practices for individuals reliant on progressive lenses.Xsens motion capture for ergonomics assessments<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzEwODM3MDc2NDU2LWVtaWFwLTIuanBnIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Accurate motion data: Xsens Awinda Motion Capture Technology featuring 18 inertial sensorsEnsuring proper workplace ergonomics is crucial for employee well-being, regulatory compliance, and increased productivity. This focus stems from the significant prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), often linked to poor ergonomics, affecting nearly 1.71 billion people globally.However, traditional assessment methods can be time-consuming and rely on subjective observations, potentially hindering accurate risk identification. Xsens Motion capture technology offers a compelling solution. Xsens captures objective and validated data on worker movements, eliminating subjectivity and increasing data collection efficiency. This empowers companies to swiftly identify potential hazards and make informed decisions regarding workplace design and modifications. Ultimately, this fosters safer and more productive workspaces, leading to a thriving and healthy working environment for all.<a href="https://www.movella.com/applications/health-sports/workplace-ergonomics" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Learn more</a> about Xsens solutions for workplace ergonomics.&nbsp;

FREMAP uses Xsens motion capture to analyze the ergonomic impact of progressive lenses in the workplace and makes recommendations for improvement

Ergonomic impact of progressive lenses in the workplace

Last month one of our valued customers <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/sms.14158" target="_blank">published</a> the result of great research on hamstring fascicle behaviour and muscle forces in the Nordic hamstring curl (NHC), single-leg Roman chair (RCH), and single-leg deadlift (DL). The <a href="https://twitter.com/BasVanHooren/status/1506300340269985798" target="_blank">post on Twitter</a> of main author Bas van Hooren got 600+ likes within a few days, with great reactions from the global scientific sports science community. Reasons enough for us to have a chat about this successful publication.<figure><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1650973750982-Bas+Van+Hooren+square.jpg" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Bas Van Hooren</figure><h3>Professional athlete and sports scientist</h3>Sports scientist Bas Van Hooren is currently doing PhD research at Maastricht University in the faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences. His work is about hamstring injuries and performance enhancement and injury prevention in running. As a professional athlete, he has won several medals and became the Dutch national champion 3000m indoor in 2017. As freelance strength and conditioning specialist, he helps top athletes to improve their performance, using the latest scientific insights. As a sports scientist Van Hooren translates theoretical concepts into practical recommendations and published more than 30 scientific articles.<figure><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Zi2Q9rSINeM?&wmode=opaque&rel=0&enablejsapi=1&origin=https://www.wevolver.com" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true"></iframe><figcaption> </figcaption></figure>Van Hooren and his collaborators in Maastricht (Panayiotis Teratsias, Paul Willems, Maarten Drost and Kenneth Meijer) in KU Leuven (Benedicte Vanwanseele and Sam van Rossom) are grateful for the collaboration and support from Usono. &ldquo;Capturing the ultrasound data would have been much more difficult or even impossible without the ProbeFix Dynamic T&rdquo; he states when asked about his experience. The study included ten male participants who performed the exercises while full-body kinematics, ground reaction forces, surface muscle activation and biceps femoris long head fascicle behaviour with ultrasound were measured.<h3>Measuring during exercises</h3>Van Hooren explains: &ldquo;By measuring the forces, activation, and fascicle behaviour of the hamstrings during these exercises we can get very valuable insights into the potential long-term effects that these exercises may have. For example, the amount of active fascicle lengthening during an exercise likely provides information about the stimulus for long-term increases in fascicle length (which is a risk factor for hamstring injuries). And by comparing fascicle length using ultrasound between these exercises, we can therefore get more information about which exercise is potentially most effective to modify this risk factor.<h3>Custom-made holder</h3>The ProbeFix Dynamic allowed us to visualize dynamic hamstring fascicle behaviour during multiple exercises. This is something that has not been achieved before because it is incredibly difficult to capture clear ultrasound images. The ProbeFix Dynamic however allowed us to fine-tune the position and orientation of the ultrasound probe to optimize image quality, which would not have been possible with conventional approaches. USONO even made a custom-made holder specifically designed for our flat-shaped ultrasound transducer in B-mode (Telemed ArtUs, Vilnius, Lithuania). They also made an attachment with reflective markers so we could determine the position and orientation of the probe with our 3D motion capture system. Overall, we are therefore very happy with the collaboration.<figure><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1650973763697-ProbeFix+Dynamic+T.png" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">ProbeFix Dynamic T during setup<figcaption> </figcaption></figure><h3>Collaboration in new applications and studies</h3>Regarding the collaboration CEO Victor Donker agrees with Van Hooren: &ldquo;we love to work with intrinsically motivated people like Bas who strive for next level ultrasound research applications. We have known Bas and his colleagues in Maastricht for years and know they are always working on amazing studies that have a great impact on sports science.&rdquo; The products and services Usono offers are designed especially for these applications. This ProbeFix Dynamic T version was developed in collaboration with Amsterdam UMC and colleagues in Maastricht. The ProbeFix Dynamic can be used in research into muscle behaviour during exercises or even running or cycling. With the modular probe adapter, any ultrasound (linear) probe can be attached to the human body. Related studies are performed in universities, private clinics and professional soccer clubs, in the Netherlands, United States, Italy, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom among many other countries.<hr><h3>Publication and contact</h3>Muscle forces and fascicle behaviour during three hamstring exercisesBas Van Hooren, Benedicte Vanwanseele, Sam van Rossom, Panayiotis Teratsias, Paul Willems, Maarten Drost, Kenneth Meijer<a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/sms.14158" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Link to full publication</a>Contact Usono:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:info@usono.com">info@usono.com</a>

Synched ultrasound (Telemed ArtUs with Usono ProbeFix Dynamic T) and motion capturing with Vicon

Researchers in Maastricht and Leuven used ProbeFix Dynamic for a pioneering study using dynamic ultrasound imaging and 3D motion tracking in Nordic hamstring curl, single-leg Roman chair, and single-leg deadlift.

ProbeFix Dynamic crucial for ultrasound imaging of hamstring muscle and fascicle behaviour.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unibo.it/en" rel="noopener" target="_blank">University of Bologna</a> has taken its motion analysis capabilities to the next level with Xsens’ brand new automated&nbsp;<a href="https://www.xsens.com/mvn-reports" rel="noopener" target="_blank">MVN Reports</a>. Already, long-time users of Xsens’ motion capture technology, the university has now integrated comprehensive gait analysis faster and with an even greater level of accuracy than before.Powered by Xsens’ powerful MotionCloud platform, MVN Reports provides Xsens users with precise, motion data in a readable and easily accessible format. Once processed using the cloud, data is presented in varying graphs and tables tailored to the study at hand. For example, when the University of Bologna conducts a gait analysis, specific data points – such as the spatial and temporal parameters – will be automatically organized.Stefano Di Paolo, a Biomechanical Engineer, Ph.D. student, and research assistant at the University of Bologna works hands-on with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.xsens.com/products/mvn-analyze" rel="noopener" target="_blank">MVN Analyze</a> system and the new MVN reports, producing gait reports for lower limb injuries in athletes and elderly people. We spoke with Stefano to find out how this new feature has leveled up his lab’s capabilities.Clear and accurate feedbackStefano works within the Department for Life Quality Studies, a research lab at Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute housing a multidisciplinary team of orthopedic surgeons, kinesiologists, biomechanical engineers, and mechanical engineers (group heads Professor Stefano Zaffagnini and Professor Laura Bragonzoni). The lab takes a multifaceted approach to its research, tapping into cutting-edge technology to continually improve its capabilities. It was for this reason that Stefano and the team chose to implement the MVN Analyze system more than three years ago.“Our studies take place in multiple environments,” stated Stefano, adding, “to ensure the utmost accuracy, we conduct our biomechanical analysis inside a hospital and outside, such as a sports field. We needed sensors that were unobstructed and easy to wear in such different contexts and for a wide range of ages and activity levels.”<img data-fr-image-pasted="true" src="https://www.xsens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Img_Field.png?width=423&amp;name=Img_Field.png" alt="Img_Field" width="423" srcset="https://www.xsens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Img_Field.png?width=212&amp;name=Img_Field.png 212w, https://www.xsens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Img_Field.png?width=423&amp;name=Img_Field.png 423w, https://www.xsens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Img_Field.png?width=635&amp;name=Img_Field.png 635w, https://www.xsens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Img_Field.png?width=846&amp;name=Img_Field.png 846w, https://www.xsens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Img_Field.png?width=1058&amp;name=Img_Field.png 1058w, https://www.xsens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Img_Field.png?width=1269&amp;name=Img_Field.png 1269w" sizes="(max-width: 423px) 100vw, 423px" class="fr-fic fr-dii" style="width: 282px;"><img data-fr-image-pasted="true" src="https://www.xsens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Img_hospital2.png?width=337&amp;name=Img_hospital2.png" alt="Img_hospital2" width="337" srcset="https://www.xsens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Img_hospital2.png?width=169&amp;name=Img_hospital2.png 169w, https://www.xsens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Img_hospital2.png?width=337&amp;name=Img_hospital2.png 337w, https://www.xsens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Img_hospital2.png?width=506&amp;name=Img_hospital2.png 506w, https://www.xsens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Img_hospital2.png?width=674&amp;name=Img_hospital2.png 674w, https://www.xsens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Img_hospital2.png?width=843&amp;name=Img_hospital2.png 843w, https://www.xsens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Img_hospital2.png?width=1011&amp;name=Img_hospital2.png 1011w" sizes="(max-width: 337px) 100vw, 337px" class="fr-fic fr-dii" style="width: 256px;">The research lab conducts a complete clinical and functional inspection, including gait analysis, on patients both pre and post-operation for lower limb injuries. Using the automatic Gait Analysis Report, Stefano can obtain precise biomechanical data presented accurately. Alongside specific parameters and graphs, there is also a digital recording of an avatar completing the movements performed by the patient for reference.This boosts Stefano’s possibilities to share clear feedback instantly with surgeons and physicians, and kinesiologists without needing to spend prior time completing an analysis.“We now have an opportunity to inspect all of the relevant kinematic variables available in the Gait Analysis Report. When I complete a gait analysis, I only use automatic reporting – it’s complete, for both the general understanding and a deeper analysis of the subject,” explained Stefano.Injuries requiring an operation, such as knee cruciate ligaments or ankle prosthesis, can be analyzed fully – this provides the surgeon or physician with enough detail to understand the condition of the patient properly. A post-operation analysis is then conducted to map out a safe return to normal physical activity.Accessible data at speedImproving the level of the feedback given to surgeons is just one of the key benefits offered by MVN reporting – Stefano and his team can also greatly enhance the feedback and communication given to patients.The Gait Analysis Report is presented in a clear and easy-to-read format designed to make access simple for researchers and physical health practitioners.<img data-fr-image-pasted="true" src="https://www.xsens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Img_hospital_avatar.png?width=774&amp;name=Img_hospital_avatar.png" alt="Img_hospital_avatar" width="774" srcset="https://www.xsens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Img_hospital_avatar.png?width=387&amp;name=Img_hospital_avatar.png 387w, https://www.xsens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Img_hospital_avatar.png?width=774&amp;name=Img_hospital_avatar.png 774w, https://www.xsens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Img_hospital_avatar.png?width=1161&amp;name=Img_hospital_avatar.png 1161w, https://www.xsens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Img_hospital_avatar.png?width=1548&amp;name=Img_hospital_avatar.png 1548w, https://www.xsens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Img_hospital_avatar.png?width=1935&amp;name=Img_hospital_avatar.png 1935w, https://www.xsens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Img_hospital_avatar.png?width=2322&amp;name=Img_hospital_avatar.png 2322w" sizes="(max-width: 774px) 100vw, 774px" class="fr-fic fr-dii"><img data-fr-image-pasted="true" src="https://www.xsens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Img_data.png?width=774&amp;name=Img_data.png" alt="Img_data" width="774" srcset="https://www.xsens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Img_data.png?width=387&amp;name=Img_data.png 387w, https://www.xsens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Img_data.png?width=774&amp;name=Img_data.png 774w, https://www.xsens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Img_data.png?width=1161&amp;name=Img_data.png 1161w, https://www.xsens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Img_data.png?width=1548&amp;name=Img_data.png 1548w, https://www.xsens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Img_data.png?width=1935&amp;name=Img_data.png 1935w, https://www.xsens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Img_data.png?width=2322&amp;name=Img_data.png 2322w" sizes="(max-width: 774px) 100vw, 774px" class="fr-fic fr-dii">“There should always be a positive interaction with the patient while giving feedback – it’s important the patient understands the needs for each specification. For example, a curve on a graph means something for me as a technician and something else for the patient. The Gait Analysis Report’s visual interactions are great for this,” said Stefano.Stefano’s Ph.D. research is on injury prevention and the return to sport, ensuring that the rehabilitation process is safe and measured. Xsens’ sensors can work anywhere, making them ideal for full-body motion tracking in sport-specific environments. All of the information gained from the biomechanical analysis significantly limits the risk of re-injury.The futureStefano sees automated data analysis as a technology that will become standardized in his profession – even at the biggest research facilities. With data presented in a format that allows instant use, interactivity, and feedback, the automated feature covers all of the primary bases needed to complete a full gait analysis.“One of the most important qualities is the simple way users can interact with the software. It can be used at multiple levels; technical and research purposes on one side, and on the other, direct contact and direct feedback with clinicians and patients as well,” explained Stefano.Discover automated reporting and increase both the speed and accuracy of your research and physical health analysis today –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.xsens.com/mvn-reports" rel="noopener" target="_blank">find out more here</a>.&nbsp;

With Motion Capture for Analysis

Next-level gait analysis at the University of Bologna

In this episode, we talk about Charm Industrial’s novel approach for carbon offsetting, a concept fitness drone from Hongik University that could be the first to commercialize, and a joint effort between MIT and the US Navy to understand how sound waves are altered by water conditions in the North Pole. As always, you can find these and other interesting &amp; impactful engineering articles on Wevolver.com.&nbsp;<iframe height="200px" width="100%" frameborder="no" scrolling="no" seamless="" src="https://player.simplecast.com/e71ade31-1622-42a8-93a9-a489df82c655?dark=false" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true"></iframe><h3>EPISODE NOTES</h3>(0:50) - A Charming Response To The Carbon Offsetting Controversy:&nbsp;Approximately 85% of all carbon offsetting efforts do not actually remove any additional carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and Charm wants to change that by injecting bio oil into wells that stored crude oil at one point.(8:10) - Drones As Personal Fitness Instructors<a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/organic-material-may-help-design-energy-efficient-heating-and-cooling-systems" target="_blank">:</a>Drones are finally making their debut in the fitness scene with a concept design from Hongik University that could serve as the first commercially viable fitness drone and pave the way for the future of the industry.&nbsp;(14:20) - MIT &amp; ONR’s Trip To The North Pole:Acoustic signals get distorted in regions of the ocean where warm water meets cold water - especially in the Beaufort Sea - so MIT has collaborated with ONR to understand these distortions in hopes of allowing exploration in these regions without risking loss of communication.--About the podcast:Every day, some of the most innovative universities, companies, and individual technology developers share their knowledge on Wevolver. To ensure we can also provide this knowledge for the growing group of podcast listeners, we started a collaboration with two young engineers, Daniel Scott Mitchell &amp; Farbod Moghaddam who discuss the most interesting content in this podcast series.&nbsp;To learn more about this show, please visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wevolver.com/profile/the.next.byte" target="_blank">shows page</a>. By following the page, you will get automatic updates by email when a new show is published.Be sure to give us a follow and review on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/nl/podcast/the-next-byte/id1548255861?l=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Apple</a> podcasts, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/6lPPsRtegnivsRUEsQ09R7?si=IPMiah7xT_apJtPjqvXMlA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotify</a>, and most of your favorite podcast platforms!

In this episode, we talk about Charm Industrial’s novel approach for carbon offsetting, a concept fitness drone from Hongik University that could be the first to commercialize, and a joint effort between MIT and US Navy to understand how sound waves are altered by water conditions in the North Pole.

Podcast: Charm's Carbon Offsets, Fitness Trainer Drones, MIT Studies Sound Waves In The North Pole

This article was discussed in our <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wevolver.com/profile/the.next.byte&source=gmail&ust=1640817319915000&usg=AOvVaw2nPRdRwJrXSYYeM9RCFu5x" href="https://www.wevolver.com/profile/the.next.byte" id="isPasted" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Next Byte podcast</a>.&nbsp;<iframe height="200px" width="100%" frameborder="no" scrolling="no" seamless="" src="https://player.simplecast.com/e71ade31-1622-42a8-93a9-a489df82c655?dark=false" class="fr-draggable"></iframe>The full article will continue below.<hr><h2>What Is Carbon Offsetting?</h2>There is a great global effort to move towards low/no-carbon processes for power generation but until we get there, carbon offsetting has been a popular method of reducing overall carbon emissions for a lot of companies.&nbsp;Simply put, carbon offsetting is when an organization pays towards an effort that will reduce atmospheric carbon and then the organization deducts the reduction from the carbon emissions that they generate.&nbsp; <div class="fr-img-space-wrap"><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjE5NDY5MjkzNzg3LUNhcmJvbiBPZmZzZXQucG5nIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Image 1. Illustration of the carbon offsetting process<h2 class="fr-img-space-wrap2">&nbsp;The Carbon Controversy</h2></div>Carbon offsetting sounds great in theory but unfortunately, many of the participating organizations are more interested in showing low carbon emissions on paper instead of actually reducing atmospheric carbon. In fact, <a href="https://carbonplan-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/docs/Offset-Task-Force-Comment-Letter-01-05-2021.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">~85% of carbon offsett programs being sold are not taking additional carbon out of the atmosphere</a>. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/features/2020-nature-conservancy-carbon-offsets-trees/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">An article published by Bloomberg</a> highlighted how some of these corporations are paying sums of money to preserve forests that were never threatened to begin with and then counting the carbon that the trees are removing as carbon offsetting even though no additional carbon is being captured.&nbsp;These practices have turned the booming carbon offset industry into a point of controversy with much criticism regarding the actual impact outside of public appearance.&nbsp;<h2>The Charm Way</h2>Charm Industrial wants to solve the carbon offsetting problem using a novel approach: injecting bio oil into the earth.Bio oil and ash are byproducts of decomposing biomass by burning it at very high temperatures in a chamber with no oxygen through a process called pyrolysis. The carbon-rich liquid mixture is more viscous than water which makes it ideal for injection into deep wells whereas the ash can be used as a fertilizer.&nbsp; <div class="fr-img-space-wrap"><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjE5NDY5MzU3NzY1LUJpbyBvaWwucG5nIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Image 2. Charm Industrial's bio oilDependance on biomass can be concerning since it could mean that extra land would have to be used for this specific carbon offsetting process; however, Charm is currently only using waste wood and sawdust that would've rotted for their bio oil and if that doesn't sustain their growth in the coming future, they've mentioned that a small fraction (~1.7 Gt) of the 100 gigaton/year of biomass waste would be enough to sequester gigatons of carbon per year.&nbsp;</div>So, why inject it back into earth? There are numerous injection wells scattered throughout the world that used to store crude oil but now that they are empty, they are the perfect method to store a liquid that is very similar to what used to be there before. Charm has been working with the environmental protection agency (EPA) to ensure that the injection of their bio oil (a) does not damage the surrounding environment and (b) reduces the risk of sinkholes for caverns where companies used for mining and now lie empty.<div class="fr-img-space-wrap"><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjE5NDY5Mzk5NTUxLUN5Y2xlLnBuZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" style="width: 620px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Image 3. Charm Industrial's carbon offsetting flowOne thing to note is that injection wells are believed to cause increased seismic activity and Charm has noted that they plan to do further research in this area. &nbsp;</div><h2>The Numbers</h2>Here's what the breakdown looks like for the entire carbon sequestration process for 1 ton of bio oil:- Production of bio oil: 0.04 tons of CO2 emitted- Transportation of bio oil: 0.05 tons of CO2 emitted- Injection of bio oil: 0.004 tons of CO2 emitted- Sequestered carbon dioxide: 1.53 tons- Net carbon dioxide: -1.44 tons<h2>The Future</h2>Stripe - the payment SaaS company currently valued at $95 billion USD - was the first to get on board with Charm's carbon offsetting program and they received 416 tons of carbon offsetting 1 month ahead of their May 2021 delivery date.&nbsp;<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0-4bRhner14?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable" style="width: 789px; height: 446px;"></iframe>Companies like Shopify and Microsoft got onboard shortly after Stripe but with this recent delivery, other organizations that are serious about reducing their carbon impact should be giving the team at Charm a call soon.&nbsp;

Charm's unique approach for reducing atmospheric carbon has already proven to be fruitful by delivering 416 tons of carbon offsetting to Stripe one month ahead of schedule

A (Charm)ing Approach For Carbon Offsetting

Released in January 2020, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.xsens.com/xsens-dot" target="_blank">Xsens DOT</a> is a state-of-the-art development platform, providing robust motion sensors for innovative developers and researchers looking to build original applications. Almost a year in and there have already been some remarkable cases of exciting app-based solutions, all built from the ground up with Xsens hardware. One such example is ORYX Go, a game-changing application with an inspiring backstory.&nbsp;<a href="https://oryxmovementsolutions.com/" target="_blank">ORYX Go</a> is an application designed to automate biomechanical analysis for elite athletes, sports trainers, and physiotherapists that may lack the required knowledge or facilities to utilize motion capture research effectively. Once downloaded on a smart device, eight <a href="https://www.xsens.com/xsens-dot" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Xsens DOT sensors</a> can be placed on the body of a person to accurately record running, walking, and jumping movements. The application is designed to present the relevant data in a readable format, saving time and improving its effectiveness.&nbsp;We spoke to Marjolein van Koningsveld, co-founder of <a href="https://oryxmovementsolutions.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">ORYX Movement Solutions</a>, about the inspiring backstory of the company and how its new ORYX Go app aims to transform athletic performance and&nbsp;rehabilitation.&nbsp;<img class="fr-fic fr-dii" style="width: 200px;" alt="ORYX-02" sizes="(max-width: 267px) 100vw, 267px" src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1610717227694-1610717227694.png"> Life-changing injuryIn 2014, after many years of riding horses professionally, Marjolein developed a serious recurring back injury. The injury progressed to an excruciating point, hindering her ability to walk and work as normal.“(After the injury) I did find other jobs, but even if it was sedentary and in an office, I couldn’t work for more than 6 hours at a time. Medical experts told me that they couldn’t find a problem and I needed to live with it. I was in pain 24 hours a day” explained Marjolein. “I was 28 years old with my whole life ahead of me, it was devastating.” &nbsp;This life-changing injury had no clear resolution, but Marjolein’s past experience conducting motion analysis on the movement of horses led her to a different conclusion. After Marjolein met ORYX co-founder, Marcel Tiggelman, in the gym, the pair worked together on a solution, conducting motion analysis on Marjolein. This proved to be a huge leap forward, providing the data needed for Marcel and Marjolein’s physiotherapist to design an effective solution and heal the injury for good.&nbsp;The Formation of ORYX Motion ServicesBoth Marjolein and Marcel saw motion analysis as an effective tool for an individualized approach to athletic performance, injury prevention, and rehabilitation, leading to the inception of ORYX Motion Services in 2015. It was during the development of the company that the pair became aware of <a href="https://www.xsens.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Xsens’ technology</a>.&nbsp;“We started as a service provider company, measuring the movement and designing rehabilitation programs for people that needed help.” explained Marjolein. “After about two years, we noticed there was a greater need in the market for this sort of technology and that lots of motion capture tools, such as Xsens, were becoming more mainstream in sports analysis. After discovering <a href="https://www.xsens.com/xsens-dot" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Xsens DOT</a>, we knew that we didn’t need to develop our own sensor,” Marjolein continued.&nbsp;The release of Xsens DOT coincided perfectly with Marjolein’s plan to develop an entirely new application. The app was designed to bridge the gap in knowledge and application between physiotherapists, athletes, sports trainers, and biomechanical researchers, and the Xsens DOT sensors can pick up the precise measurements of any professional sport. The team was able to build the app from the ground up seamlessly with the DOT sensors. &nbsp;<img width="816" class="fr-fic fr-dii" alt="ORYX" sizes="(max-width: 816px) 100vw, 816px" src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1610717227971-1610717227971.png">Revolutionizing Motion Analysis&nbsp;Despite professional athletes possessing practical knowledge in athleticism and injury rehabilitation, translating motion data into an actionable solution usually requires an individual trained in the technology. Marjolein knew that this needed to change.&nbsp;“We invented a solution that can automatically detect the type of movement, analyze, and determine the quality of it based on the recorded movement data. We knew that we had to keep our clients in mind – they don’t have time to spend five hours analyzing data. It should also be affordable. Right now, we can automatically assess walking, running, and squats,” said Marjolein.Eight Xsens DOT sensors are placed on the body of an athlete. The signals are then picked up by the <a href="https://oryxmovementsolutions.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">ORYX GO</a> gateway, a carry-along device. This gateway provides additional steady connectivity for signal transmission from the sensors ensuring no data gets lost during long-distance running or sprinting for real-time data streaming. The athlete can run or walk out of range relative to the operating device without affecting the connection. After the recording is finished, the data is processed into a file which can be uploaded to the online portal on the cloud. The <a href="https://www.xsens.com/xsens-dot" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Xsens DOT sensors</a> work with precision, even during intense professional sports.&nbsp;“Once the data is uploaded to a portal, in a minute or two, the portal will create a report for you. All of the angles and velocities are translated into terminology that the trainer can understand. This is an entirely unique solution,” explained Marjolein.<iframe width="640" height="360" class="fr-draggable" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SJX0ASnG_Eo?&amp;feature=emb_logo&amp;wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> Individual careThe core tenant found at the center of ORYX Go is individual optimization. The range of physiological differences between athletes means that a one-size-fits-all approach to rehabilitation and athletic optimization can have serious drawbacks. Using <a href="https://www.xsens.com/xsens-dot" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Xsens DOT sensors</a>, ORYX Go tracks and processes data true only to the individual being studied. With clean data presented in an easy-to-understand format, athletes can work with their bodies, not against them.&nbsp;“There are so many professional runners out there with shin splint and runners knees, both entirely avoidable injuries with the right approach to training. Why do people have reoccurring injuries all of the time despite having physiotherapy? Everyone is an individual. It’s worth keeping this in mind when aiding in athletic performance” said Marjolein.Wireless <a href="https://www.xsens.com/xsens-dot" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Xsens DOT sensors</a> work anywhere with magnetic immunity, making them suitable for tracking full-body motion in sport-specific environments. This means precise measurements can be obtained to enhance athlete performance too. Marjolein already sees ORYX-Go as the perfect individualized training solution for elite athletes, providing fast, intricate biomechanical data that can be used to positively improve training and technique. &nbsp;“With ORYX Go, you can have a tailored approach to meet your needs, it’s data-driven. We want to take people from the silver medal in their sports up to gold and motion analysis can provide the in-depth data needed to achieve greater levels of performance. Even at the highest level of a sport, <a href="https://oryxmovementsolutions.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">ORYX Go</a> and the Xsens DOT sensors can provide accurate, in-depth data.”&nbsp;Xsens DOT users get access to our supportive, customer-focused team, and we’re working with ORYX to continue developing the capabilities of the sensor further. The full ORYX Go setup can be purchased with a fixed setup fee that includes user training. Find out more about the app&nbsp;<a href="https://oryxmovementsolutions.com/" target="_blank">here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;<img class="fr-fic fr-dii" style="width: 200px;" alt="ORYX 03" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1610717228284-1610717228284.png">Xsens DOT White LabelWith Xsens DOT, the possibilities are endless. We encourage developers to build their own unique applications. Our White Label option allows you to customize a design for the Xsens DOT and have your own logo on the sensors. &nbsp;Visit our developer page to see what Xsens DOT can do for you.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.xsens.com/developer" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Visit Xsens DOT developer here</a>&nbsp;

with ORYX Go

Xsens DOT: Transforming Sports Performance And Physiotherapy

Motion capture and the field of motion measurement are widely used in both sports and creative visual media. But in this recent short film, ‘<a href="https://vimeo.com/453613568" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Protesys</a>’ by acclaimed Brazilian director, Afonso Poyart, the worlds of sport science and Hollywood collide, and <a href="https://www.xsens.com/products/mvn-animate" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Xsens MVN Animate</a> is at the center of production.&nbsp;Afonso’s filmmaking career has earned him a highly regarded place in the global film industry, directing films such as Two Rabbits&nbsp;(2012), Solace (2015), and Mais Forte que o Mundo: A História de José Aldo (2016), to name a few. In Protesys, conventional wisdom surrounding sports is challenged head-on, tackling the increasing role technology plays in professional sports. In particular, the film – shot convincingly as a fictional documentary – focuses on the potential for high-powered, bionic prosthetics that take a step beyond assistance for para-athletes, elevating users to superhuman levels of performance. Afonso partnered with VFX studio, <a href="https://www.picmapost.com.br/" target="_blank">Picma Post</a>, to design the short film’s photorealistic visuals, creating a convincing and realistic technology concept, all despite being set in an entirely fictional context.&nbsp;We spoke with Afonso Poyart and Rodrigo Elias, founding partner and production supervisor at Picma Post, about the film’s inception, production, and the studio’s future projects.&nbsp;<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable" frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/b6vjCVq4UQo?&amp;feature=emb_logo&amp;wmode=opaque" style="width: 784px; height: 503px;"></iframe> Perceiving Protesys&nbsp;Afonso was inspired by the incredible feats achieved by today’s para-athletes on the world stage, taking a keen interest in the role of advancements in prosthetic limbs. As prosthetic technology continues to improve, para-athletes are beginning to edge closer to the level of able-bodied sports stars, which begs the question: could robotic technology turn the tables?&nbsp;“We’ve started to see current-day parathletes, with the help of modern prosthetics, beginning to enter into higher and higher levels of sporting achievement, this inspired the basis of the film idea,” said Afonso.&nbsp;“What would happen if they equalled, and then bettered able-bodied athletes?” continued Afonso.&nbsp;With this concept in mind, Afonso opted to sculpt a world containing a new bionic prosthetic that while beyond today’s capabilities, feels like an entirely possible adaptation. You’d be forgiven for taking the premise of the film as fact, especially as it’s presented in a documentary form that demonstrates the technology as market-ready. It even stars an active, Brazilian para-athlete, Flavio Reitz:&nbsp;“Flavio is a real para-athlete from the Olympics – it’s like real life meets fiction. In the story, this futuristic tech company hires Flavio to test the new equipment,” explained Afonso.The bionic technology developed by the company goes far beyond normal expectations. Rather than just replacing the limb with something inactive, the new bionic prosthetic enhances the user’s physical ability to superhuman levels and is controlled like a regular limb using a computer chip implanted in the brain. Elon Musk’s Neuralink technology played some part in the inspiration for the brain implant idea.&nbsp;“Neuralink definitely provided some inspiration for the chip that connects the motor cortex in the brain with the robotic limbs. However, I didn’t want to fool people too much or give false hope – we wanted to create something that plays with the audience but becomes clearer as the film plays out. It’s too high-tech for today,” said Afonso.&nbsp;&nbsp;<img alt="20191020_153232-1" class="fr-fic fr-dii" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiAid2V2b2x2ZXItcHJvamVjdC1pbWFnZXMiLCAia2V5IjogImZyb2FsYS8xNjA0NjU5NDc5NTUwLTE2MDQ2NTk0Nzk1NTAucG5nIiwgImVkaXRzIjogeyJyZXNpemUiOiB7IndpZHRoIjogOTUwLCAiZml0IjogImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" width="600">Production ProcessThrough its high production standard, the short film manages to blur the line between fiction and reality, particularly in the CG animated sections that show off the prosthetic technology. To achieve this, the VFX studio utilized motion capture to generate realistic movements of athletes performing a range of sports.&nbsp;“When we first started discussing the idea and concept for the short film, we realized we needed an accurate mocap suit to record athletic movements. Here in Brazil, we don’t have lots of mocap studios or specialists, but our research led us to <a href="https://www.xsens.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Xsens</a> as the best solution. We talked a lot with the Xsens team when setting up to get the highest quality data,” explained Rodrigo.&nbsp;With a short time frame to learn how to use Xsens, the team found the technology’s ease-of-use and adaptability invaluable to the production process.&nbsp;“It was a really straightforward process for us. Picma had never operated a full mocap system and it was a learning process from scratch. Despite this, we were able to pick it up quickly,” said Afonso.&nbsp;“We were able to complete a lot of mocap directly on an athletics track. Nobody has capabilities like Xsens to complete sessions such as this,” continued Afonso.&nbsp;With the ability to record athletes live on the track, the <a href="https://www.picmapost.com.br/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Picma Post</a> team could record the full-body motion of boxers, dancers, and high jumpers with ease, generating the realistic, CG animation seen throughout the film. Picma used several stunt doubles for Flavio's routines, harmoniously merging the shots together.&nbsp;“Flavio is unable to use a real prosthetic leg and can’t walk. So every shot where he is walking is a double. We also hired a High Jumper for some of the shots too,” said Afonso.&nbsp;“We actually had three stuntmen for Flavio, one for jumping, running, and the body! added Rodrigo. “But of course, we only recorded the initial steps of Flavio’s jump with <a href="https://www.xsens.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Xsens</a>. We also had some wired cables that raised him during the recording session. As soon as he took off and went upwards, we’d cut, so the rest of the jump was all CG.”&nbsp;<img alt="IMG_0906.CR2" class="fr-fic fr-dii" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiAid2V2b2x2ZXItcHJvamVjdC1pbWFnZXMiLCAia2V5IjogImZyb2FsYS8xNjA0NjU5NDc5MTE2LTE2MDQ2NTk0NzkxMTYucG5nIiwgImVkaXRzIjogeyJyZXNpemUiOiB7IndpZHRoIjogOTUwLCAiZml0IjogImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" width="1200">“For the CG parts, we used a combination of Maya and Arnold. And every compositing shot is completed in Nuke. For now, we’re using HumanIK inside Maya to apply the mocap data and a custom rig using HumanIK as our base for the robot. We’re looking to develop custom rigs in the future,” said Rodrigo. Even high-impact movements resulted in no loss of data for the team, with the durability of the Xsens sensors proving very reliable. “We recorded a high jumper with Xsens to jump at a lower height to acquire all of the movement data as an athlete crosses over the bar. The data came out very clean, all despite the athletes hitting the mattresses with maximum force – the sensors worked fine,” explained Afonso.<iframe allowfullscreen="" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="100%" scrolling="no" src="https://play.vidyard.com/7RvtWS9otmd6jKYHf2Gx81?disable_popouts=1&amp;type=inline&amp;hidden_controls=0&amp;muted=0&amp;loop=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;new_player_ui=1&amp;gdpr_enabled=1&amp;play_button_color=2A2A2A&amp;playlist_color=FFFFFF&amp;color=FFFFFF&amp;hide_playlist=1&amp;embed_button=0&amp;viral_sharing=0&amp;v=4.2.23&amp;vydata%5Butk%5D=e1b95d4c524d7134054b8a9c5fc2f599&amp;vydata%5Bportal_id%5D=3446270&amp;vydata%5Bcontent_type%5D=blog-post&amp;vydata%5Bcanonical_url%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.xsens.com%2Fcases%2Fdesigning-a-bionic-future-for-prosthetics-with-xsens&amp;vydata%5Bpage_id%5D=35219307837&amp;vydata%5Bcontent_page_id%5D=35219307837&amp;vydata%5Blegacy_page_id%5D=35219307837&amp;vydata%5Bcontent_folder_id%5D=null&amp;vydata%5Bcontent_group_id%5D=9880291723&amp;vydata%5Bab_test_id%5D=null&amp;vydata%5Blanguage_code%5D=null" title="Video" width="100%"></iframe>Feature FilmThe short is a stand-alone film in its own right, but it actually exists within a much larger universe designed by Afonso to encompass a feature-length, parallel story.&nbsp;“The short film is a case study for a feature film in production. We have a script and are just entering the production stages – the short film takes place in the same universe as the feature and acts as a precursor,” said Afonso.&nbsp;“The movie portrays a world where prosthetics are incredibly advanced. We’ve focused on different athletic sports where para-athletes use bionic limbs to become super athletes. The sporting audience and sponsors flip their interest into the bionic sports, able-bodied athletes become less significant as they’re unable to compete with para-athletes,” continued Afonso.&nbsp;“There will be two sisters, both athletes, one disabled and one able-bodied. When this technological revolution happens, the sister with the disability becomes the star, replacing the prospects of the able-bodied sister. It’s really about rivalry and what people are prepared to do to achieve success.”The feature film will take a more conventional cinematic approach, rather than the fictional documentary style of the short. But the questions touched upon in <a href="https://vimeo.com/453613568" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Protesys</a> will be expanded into realistic scenarios that are bound to cause contention. As Afonso states:&nbsp;“We always associate sports with physicality, but it seems to me that it’s much more about mental and emotional dexterity. If the robotics extends our physical ability to a higher level and really lowers difficulty constraints, what will differentiate the best athletes? Everyone might want a bionic limb, whether they need one or not.” You can check out the full short film <a href="https://www.solidlimbs.com/" target="_blank">here</a>, and keep your eyes peeled for further developments of the full feature film.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>Xsens MVN Animate</h3>Are you actively looking for a motion capture system? Feel free to visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.xsens.com/products/mvn-animate" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">product page</a>.<a href="https://www.xsens.com/cs/c/?cta_guid=62b0c95c-a32e-49a7-b027-2d1850d6c247&amp;signature=AAH58kHW8MGtxYkdRDy65TvwW8WxSoQlgA&amp;pageId=35219307837&amp;placement_guid=4d5a34f5-b6e3-4815-bb7c-67fec396482b&amp;click=d23fe1e1-9172-412a-af80-683795572401&amp;hsutk=e1b95d4c524d7134054b8a9c5fc2f599&amp;canon=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.xsens.com%2Fcases%2Fdesigning-a-bionic-future-for-prosthetics-with-xsens&amp;utm_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.xsens.com%2Fexplore%3Ffilter%3Dcases&amp;portal_id=3446270&amp;redirect_url=APefjpGczQu9wTNyNGmpb35KO0ZULXNHCqF9PkcH0Ho_6IWdyVwW2gu7s3VrxVumJdj3ZRgAd-220-M-7t0z5K_7GUyeMXeatlgMTlmpeIGz2ZoeriA-BJaRg2VrfHuyZEc8af2uCoVe4z_uyouYcGJWjoCuaaJ09pUhGzenbaRrw0IdC_wGbSbd4yyuUJ3xAopxB3HeKGgBp1JutLsNSkMy98evDLdzARZUnyn6TyX5GjiVzaODc8xdJtRc3xVBgNdq7JJUUPhXoG5xPx_AvClAVrZAzelHPw&amp;__hstc=81749512.e1b95d4c524d7134054b8a9c5fc2f599.1598950583555.1604655289703.1604659070195.177&amp;__hssc=81749512.5.1604659070195&amp;__hsfp=141168424&amp;contentType=blog-post" target="_blank" title="Download MVN Data Files"></a>

With Xsens

Designing A Bionic Future For Prosthetics

Sensory motion tracking enabled by smart MEMS-based inertial sensors is at the forefront of our fourth industrial age, pushing the boundaries of artificial intelligence and machine learning further than we could have imagined. Already widely used in animation productions, elite athletes now use motion sensors to enhance their performance and sports enthusiasts to improve their tennis serve or golf swing. In healthcare, motion tracking is helping people to monitor their heart rates, sleep patterns and fitness levels.MEMS-based inertial sensors provide affordable information and using this information further for human-tracking applications is quite intricate and complex. Calibrated proprioceptive sensor measurements have to be processed using sophisticated sensor fusion algorithms that should be mathematically correct and supported by robust modelling relevant to a specific application.Less than five decades ago sensory motion tracking involved huge and prohibitively expensive inertial-based systems mostly used for navigation. The industry needs influenced the MEMS-based technology which, in its turn, has driven the evolution of the sensory motion tracking technology. Now MEMS-based inertial systems dominate the motion capture market and drive innovations in different industries.Just half a year ago the sensory motion tracking technology aiding tele-medicine was a nice-to-have, now, with the “new normal”, it has become a necessity. Our physical, biological and technological worlds are merging like never before, and the potential of sensory motion capture is only restricted by the extent of our imagination. This ground-breaking technology is opening the possibilities for entrepreneurs and innovators to transform their own industries.<a href="https://www.xsens.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Xsens</a>, the global leader in 3D motion tracking technology and pioneer of the <a href="https://www.xsens.com/xsens-dot" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Xsens DOT</a> development platform, is holding a webinar to discuss the latest trends in Wearable Tech on July, 14 and July, 15. &nbsp;If you are a developer, entrepreneur, innovator or business decision maker and would like to know more about how you can use this ground-breaking technology within your field of work, please register <a href="https://www.xsens.com/webinar-dot" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.

The future of human digital interaction

Sensory motion tracking

<a href="https://tokyo2020.org/en/games/sport/olympic/sport-climbing/" target="_blank">Sport Climbing</a>&nbsp;would be debuting as an official Olympic sport in <a href="https://tokyo2020.org/en/" target="_blank">Tokyo 2020</a>, professional athletes are vying to reach the top by achieving a technical edge over their competition. That edge comes in the form of inertial motion capture. Sponsored by <a href="https://www.jll.co.uk/" target="_blank">JLL</a>, a real estate firm, six climbers were examined using <a href="https://www.xsens.com/products/mvn-analyze" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Xsens MVN Analyze</a> to assess their climbing technique. JLL teamed up with <a href="https://www.isobar.com/sg/en/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Isobar Singapore</a> and <a href="https://mktg.com/offices/singapore/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">MKTG Singapore</a> to work on this innovative project.The road to TokyoThe introduction of climbing into the Olympics sees the sport divided into three main categories:● Speed – Two climbers secure safety ropes to themselves and attempt to scale a 15m-high, 95 degrees wall faster than their opponent on identical routes● Bouldering – Athletes climb as many fixed routes on a 4m-high wall as they can within four minutes.● Lead – Athletes attempt to climb as high as they can on a wall measuring more than 15m in height, all within six minutes.With each section requiring different skillsets, athletes need to learn to adapt their climbing technique.Enter, Xsens<img alt="Climber" class="fr-fic fr-dii" data-fr-image-pasted="true" src="https://www.xsens.com/hubfs/Climber.png">&nbsp;There are physical limitations for coaches assessing their athletes through observation alone—even video often misses the trick. Details, such as the distance between the climber and the wall, cannot be accurately measured without tools working directly on the climber. With the Xsens sensors, suits can be worn during real climbs and the athletes gained never before seen insights.“The technology helps direct the distance between my body and the wall. The coach and I analyzed the movements and he concluded that my body was too far away. With this observation, I know how to improve my climbing,” explained Yau Ka-Chun, one of the six climbers.Climbing coaches need as much information as possible when assessing athletes in order to finesse the smaller details in technique, as Tatsumi Yui, Coach and Gym owner found:“The skill of the coach plays a big part in finding a climber’s weak point, so by using this technology, it is possible to find the weak point more easily.”&nbsp;<iframe allowfullscreen="" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="100%" scrolling="no" src="https://play.vidyard.com/vGtVJAAZiNC4q3J5HPMimm?disable_popouts=1&amp;v=4.2.20&amp;viral_sharing=0&amp;embed_button=0&amp;hide_playlist=1&amp;color=FFFFFF&amp;playlist_color=FFFFFF&amp;play_button_color=2A2A2A&amp;gdpr_enabled=1&amp;type=inline&amp;new_player_ui=1&amp;autoplay=0&amp;loop=0&amp;muted=0&amp;hidden_controls=0&amp;vydata%5Butk%5D=465d693af42ae05f614571b3e65e8679&amp;vydata%5Bportal_id%5D=3446270&amp;vydata%5Bcontent_type%5D=blog-post&amp;vydata%5Bcanonical_url%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.xsens.com%2Fcases%2Fclimbing-to-the-top-a-new-level-of-precision-at-the-tokyo-games&amp;vydata%5Bpage_id%5D=22659192274&amp;vydata%5Bcontent_page_id%5D=22659192274&amp;vydata%5Blegacy_page_id%5D=22659192274&amp;vydata%5Bcontent_folder_id%5D=null&amp;vydata%5Bcontent_group_id%5D=9880291723&amp;vydata%5Bab_test_id%5D=null&amp;vydata%5Blanguage_code%5D=null" title="Video" width="100%"></iframe> Democratizing dataAfter completion, over 100,000 data points are processed to recreate the kinematics of the climb before being uploaded to an online database. There, it can be accessed by coaches for remote analysis, meaning assessments can be made anywhere. The data can also be accessed by other climbers wanting to view and compare their own climbs with rival athletes before meeting them in competition.<img alt="Screenshot 2019-12-03 at 15.40.17" class="fr-fic fr-dii" data-fr-image-pasted="true" src="https://www.xsens.com/hubfs/Screenshot%202019-12-03%20at%2015.40.17.png">“I was able to see my climbing technique objectively, it’s like seeing myself climb from the point of view of the wall. Especially in speed, I could check my habits,” said Karin Kojima, climber.&nbsp;<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable" frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RBGDczXd3V8?&amp;wmode=opaque" style="width: 789px; height: 448px;"></iframe> Peak PerformanceThe introduction of inertial motion capture has the potential to raise the skill level of athletes in an Olympic sport still in its infancy—athletes are reaching for new heights, and&nbsp;holding on.&nbsp;MVN Analyze software trial requestYou can request a 15 day trial for the MVN Analyze software by filling out your details <a href="https://www.xsens.com/trial-request?hsCtaTracking=f48936ce-b605-4f6e-aab6-dbcfe43208e3%7Cfbd107a2-d450-495b-a630-f017a7627aec" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.

Climbing to the top

A New Level Of Precision For Sport Climbing

Robots perform many tasks that humans can&rsquo;t or don&#39;t want to perform, getting around on intricately designed wheels and limbs. If they tip over, however, they are rendered almost useless. A team of University of Illinois mechanical engineers and entomologists are looking to click beetles, who can right themselves without the use of their legs, to solve this robotics challenge.The researchers presented their findings at Living Machines 2017: The 6th International Conference on Biomimetic and Biohybrid Systems at Stanford University, and later won second place in a student and faculty research competition at the international BIOMinnovate Challenge, in Paris, France &ndash; a research expo that showcases biologically-inspired design in engineering, medicine and architecture.<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9ozz2jRfBUk?&wmode=opaque" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable" style="width: 766px; height: 406px;" frameborder="0"></iframe> &ldquo;This idea came to life when a group of insect physiology students decided to take a closer look at what makes click beetles jump as part of a class project,&rdquo; said <a href="https://www.life.illinois.edu/entomology/index.html" target="_blank">department of entomology</a> research scientist and study co-author <a href="https://www.life.illinois.edu/entomology/faculty/alleyne.html" target="_blank">Marianne Alleyne.</a>The beetles have a unique hinge-like mechanism between their heads and abdomens that makes a clicking sound when initiated and allows them to flip into the air and back onto their feet when they are knocked over, Alleyne said.&ldquo;Very little research had been performed on these beetles, and I thought this legless jumping mechanism would be a perfect candidate for further exploration in the field of bioinspiration,&rdquo; said Alleyne, who teaches a bioinspiration design course with <a href="https://mechanical.illinois.edu/" target="_blank">mechanical science and engineering</a> professor, co-author and lead investigator <a href="https://mechanical.illinois.edu/directory/faculty/awissa" target="_blank">Aimy Wissa</a>.The researchers looked at several species of click beetles, ranging in size from a few just few millimeters to several centimeters in length.&ldquo;Each insect goes through an assembly line of analyses that involve basic characterization, high-speed filming to observe the jump and measurements in the <a href="https://publish.illinois.edu/tribology/" target="_blank">Materials Tribiology Lab</a> with co-author and mechanical science and engineering professor <a href="http://mechanical.illinois.edu/directory/profile/acd" target="_blank">Alison Dunn</a>, to determine how much force it takes to overcome the friction of the hinge within an individual beetles jumping mechanism,&rdquo; Wissa said. &ldquo;We observe, model and validate each stage of the jump with the hopes that we can later integrate them into a self-righting robot.&rdquo;<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1568998642025-118939.jpg" style="width: 766px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">The University of Illinois click beetle robotics team. Front row, from left: Professor Aimy Wissa, Aidan Garrett, Luis Urrutia, Ophelia Bolmin and professor Alison Dunn. Back row, from left: Isandro Malik, Xander Hazel, Robert Chapa, Harmen Alleyne, Chengfang Duan and research scientist Marianne Alleyne. Garrett, Malik and H. Alleyne are University of Illinois Laboratory High School students. Photo by L. Brian StaufferThe group has already built several prototypes of a hinge-like, spring-loaded device that will eventually be incorporated into a robot, the researchers said.&ldquo;This study is a two-way street &ndash; engineers are informing the biologists and vice versa,&rdquo; Wissa said. &ldquo;We look forward to seeing where this research will take us and are very proud of the attention it received at the BIOMinnovate Challenge expo.&rdquo;

Click beetles can jump without the aid of their limbs when they are tipped onto their backsides. A team of University of Illinois researchers are examining this mechanism to engineer self-righting robots.  Photo by L. Brian Stauffer

Robots perform many tasks that humans can’t or don't want to perform, getting around on intricately designed wheels and limbs. If they tip over, however, they are rendered almost useless.

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