Xsens introduces powerful kinematics and kinetics tracking sensor packed shoes

Citation

(2011), "Xsens introduces powerful kinematics and kinetics tracking sensor packed shoes", Sensor Review, Vol. 31 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/sr.2011.08731daa.004

Xsens introduces powerful kinematics and kinetics tracking sensor packed shoes

Article Type: Mini features From: Sensor Review, Volume 31, Issue 4

Xsens Technologies B.V., a leader in professional 3D tracking systems, has announced the introduction of the ForceShoe™ – sensor packed shoes for extremely accurate measurement of 3D motion, 3D forces and 3D torques (Figure 2). The fully ambulatory ForceShoe is the first commercially available system making it possible to analyze joint forces and torques even outside of the laboratory. The ForceShoe brings state-of-the-art advanced biomechanical human performance analysis, out of the lab, to the real world – such as the ergonomics of a factory assembly line or the performance of an athlete on the sports field. For research use only, technology evaluation kits are available from Xsens, effective immediately.

Figure 2 ForceShoee™ used outdoors to measure full 3D forces and torques under the feet, as well as the 3D motion of the heel and forefoot

Xsens has licensed the technology behind the ForceShoe from Professor P.H. Veltink of the University of Twente, a leading group in advanced 3D ambulatory measurement techniques, and are now making this expertise widely available for further research in clinical rehabilitation, ergonomics and sports applications. Colleen Monaghan, Product Manager, Movement Science of Xsens explains, “We are very much looking forward to engaging in discussions with the scientific community about the different potential use of this exciting technology”.

Professor Veltink of the University of Twente, adds “We are very pleased that our ideas aimed at measuring advanced 3D kinematics and kinetics outside of the restricted lab environment are now being developed further, and finding their way to more widespread use. The technology behind the ForceShoe not only concerns the measurement of 3D kinematics, force and torques but also patent pending methods to track power transfer in ambulatory settings. The accuracy of the system is carefully validated and published in close cooperation with several other leading research groups.”

The ForceShoe research kit contains a pair of ForceShoes, an Xbus Master and Xsens MT Software Development Kit (SDK). Each ForceShoe contains 6DoF force/torque sensors integrated with customized Xsens MTx 3D inertial and magnetic trackers. Synchronized data is transmitted from the attached Xbus Master in real-time to a computer, running the easy-to-use MT SDK for (real-time) access to the raw, measured data.

The ForceShoe is just the first outcome of a strong research program lead by the MIRA institute of the University of Twente. Exciting new possibilities will emerge from new projects such as the ongoing “FUSION” and “PowerSensor” projects, sponsored by STW, or “INTERACTION” sponsored by the European Commission, each with strong consortiums of leading organizations in this field, including MIRA and Xsens.

For more information, please visit: www.utwente.nl/MIRA