Inspiring Sports Technology
Fitness equipment
Rubber that repairs itself upon breaking
Monday, September 6th, 2010
A new self-healing rubber, formulated from fatty acids from vegetable oil, this rubber can be stuck back together again once broken. This may have a significant impact on the sports market as, potentially, broken polymer products may not have to be replaced ever again.
For more information please click the link. Images and information reprinted from nature.
Argo and Taga aim to eliminate the wheelchair
Monday, September 6th, 2010
Argo Medical Technologies Ltd and Taga Innovations are jointly funding and developing an exoskeleton technology that aims to eliminate the need for a wheelchair. ReWalk “is a light, wearable brace support suit comprising DC motors at the joints, rechargeable batteries, an array of sensors and a computer-based control system” writes Justin Cunningham, Professional Engineer. The device movement control is similar to the Segway; when the wearer leans forward a signal is triggers exoskeleton movement similar to walking. There are currently four prototypes in clinical trials which is encouraging for those with a disability. The interesting thought is will such a technology be deemed legal in future Paralympic events?
Article published in Professional Engineering in association with ImechE.
Anti-gravity training – the new fad?
Monday, September 6th, 2010
By using an unique pressure distribution system, the G-trainer is able to reduce the load imposed on the user by reduce their effective body weight by up to 80%. Perhaps there will be a significant reduction in ‘shin-splints’ or knee injuries in the future?
For more information please click the link. Images and information reprinted from engadget.
Monitor ECG from your cellphone
Monday, September 6th, 2010
Software installed on your handset monitors your heart rate once a sensor is placed onto the chest and connected to the phone. It has the potential to automatically phone a doctor, or hospital, if dangerous abnormalities are observed. A GPS chip will also be able to pinpoint the street on which you’ve either collapsed.
For more information please click the link. Images and information reprinted from inquirer.
Knee brace that charges cellphone
Monday, September 6th, 2010
A knee brace that generates enough electricity to power 10 cellphones was demonstrated by scientists recently. The brace harvests the energy of a person’s knee braking after taking a step, similar to the way hybrid car brakes collect energy to charge their batteries. The device only weighs 3.5 pounds, and does not need the intense effort that other human-powered energy generators such as hand cranks require. Would this technology be able to power diagnostic equipment of the future?
For more information please click the link. Images and information reprinted from gizmodo.
