Description
Product Type:
Sensor system to protect the spine
Description:
Students at the Technical University of Ilmenau have developed a sensor system that monitors the spine and, in particular, its inclination and rotation when walking in order to quickly detect incorrect posture and movements.
At its core, the students' measurement system consists of just two inertial measurement units (IMU) - small, lightweight and inexpensive sensors for measuring angular velocities and linear accelerations. Hidden in fabric bags, they are placed between the shoulder blades and above the tailbone and accompany the wearer in everyday life. An Arduino microcontroller collects the data, which can then be transmitted wirelessly to a PC or smartphone and analyzed.
The team of students and the Department of Biomechatronics are currently working on verifying the collected data and preparing it in a user-friendly way. For example, wearers of the T-shirt could graphically track their spinal movements via app. In the event of frequent incorrect movements, the app could display a warning message to prevent possible damage.
If the system is developed further, it could be used in sports or medical analysis of movements and diagnosis of back problems. Movement analysis in the workplace, e.g., in physically demanding work, would then also be possible.
Other:
The team won the 2022 COSIMA competition. COSIMA, the competition for students with an affinity for technology - "Competition of Students in Microsystems Applications" - is organized by the Association for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies VDE and funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research BMBF.
(Source: TU Ilmenau)
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