Location: Istituto di BioRobotica – Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna
Lab head: Prof. Nicola Vitiello
Contact: info@biomechlab.it
Lab Team
Nicola Vitiello
Professore Ordinario Istituto di Biorobotica
Lorenzo Grazi
Personale Tecnico Istituto di Biorobotica
Andrea Pergolini
Personale Tecnico Istituto di Biorobotica
Lab Mission
This laboratory is designed to offer researchers realistic daily living scenarios for testing bionic prostheses, exoskeletons, and collaborative robots. It replicates typical domestic, occupational, and outdoor environments, enabling the evaluation of devices in tasks such as object manipulation and various locomotion activities. Additionally, the laboratory provides an extensive set of systems to capture biomechanical, physiological, and psychological data. By combining realistic usage scenarios with advanced measurement capabilities, the laboratory creates a unique platform for thoroughly assessing device performance and facilitating the development of more sophisticated systems.
Devices
Vicon – Optoelectronic motion capture system
The optoelectronic motion capture system from Vicon integrates a set of 15 Valkyrie VK8 cameras. These cameras excel at high-velocity motion across wide horizontal spaces, providing exceptional value to applications such as gait analysis. The system includes Vicon’s proprietary software Nexus 2, which allows for easy calibration and configuration of the system, and automatic initialization of the labeling of subject. Nexus enables you to capture movement, review trials, assess foot strikes and review data quality. Incorporate external integrations such as EMG, force plates, and inertial sensors.
Data sheet: download
Note: Booking still not possible.
AMTI BMS400600 – Force platforms
The BMS400600 can be used for a wide range of activities, including gait, balance, and sports applications. The 40×60 cm size is ideal for accommodating average human stride lengths and can also be used in pairs for bilateral jump or balance assessments. For more dynamic movements, multiple plates can be combined to create instrumented floor systems. A set of 6 force plates are installed covering a surface of 1.8 m x 1.2 m.
Data sheet: download
Note: Booking still not possible.
Bertec FIT5 – Fully instrumented split-belt treadmill
The Bertec FIT5 helps researchers optimize laboratory space by eliminating the need for traditional gait walkways. With its advanced design, the FIT5 offers superior dynamic performance and a high natural frequency, making it the go-to choice for reliable, research-grade gait analysis. Trusted for its precision and durability, the FIT5 is the leading fully instrumented treadmill on the market today. Kinamoto™ is the comprehensive software solution for controlling the Bertec FIT5. Streamline gait experiments by providing real-time data visualization, simultaneous data capture, and seamless synchronization with all major motion capture systems. Deliver consistent, repeatable results with user-defined protocols through the fully integrated Bertec Protocol Builder.
Data sheet: download
Note: Booking still not possible.
COSMED K5 – Wearable metabolic system
The K5 by COSMED represents the 4th generation of the leading wearable metabolic systems, marking a significant breakthrough in exercise physiology and human performance assessment. Drawing on over 25 years of expertise in metabolic devices, the K5 stands out as the most innovative and versatile system COSMED has ever created. It introduces a range of unique features that broaden the possibilities for metabolic testing, from clinical exercise evaluations to advanced performance assessments.
Data sheet: download
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Polar H10 – Heart rate sensor
When it comes to accuracy and connectivity, Polar H10 heart rate sensor is the go-to choice. Monitor your heart rate with maximum precision and connect your heart rate to a great variety of training devices with Bluetooth® and ANT+. Polar H10 is trusted by medical researchers and sports professionals around the globe to measure the beats of the human heart with unrivalled precision.
Data sheet: download
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Microgate Witty – Wireless training timer system
The system includes the TIMER and the GATE. With 8 different radio frequencies, it is possible to work simultaneously with several Witty timing systems in the same training area. TIMER stores and displays all times which can then be downloaded into the Witty Manager software. Due to the integrated transmission system, which has a range of 150 meters, the GATE photocells are highly reliable. Redundant radio transmission ensures that the data acquired is transmitted to the timer with the maximum precision (±0.4 thousandths of a second) even if the signal is disturbed. The TIMER remotely recognizes the photocell ID number, so the user can easily set the signal type on the photocell: start, stop, and intermediate times.
Data sheet: download
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Diamond L38 – Stair climber
It is a professional product designed for intensive use in gyms, wellness centers, and physiotherapy studios.
It features a combined synchronous chain and belt drive system for more precise speed control. Adjustable speed: from 30 to 172 Steps/m.
The minimum number of steps of the Stair Climber is 3, and the height from the ground of the first step is 30 cm; size of the individual steps: 55 x 27.8 x 20.5 cm. The console is made up of 6 Green LED displays, from which the following data can be viewed: distance, Step/min, total floors (1 floor = 25 steps), calories, Cal/h, Watt, time, remaining time, total prog time, speed, average speed and heart rate detected via heart rate monitor (optional) integrated wireless receiver. The console has the following programs: Warm up, Training, Challenge, Fat burn, Rolling Hills, Interval. Combined chain and synchronous belt transmission system for more precise speed control.
Data sheet: download
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Xsens MTw Awinda – Wireless motion capture system
The Xsens MTw Awinda is a motion capture system equipped with 17 wireless sensors that are secured to the body using adjustable straps. It provides fast, reliable, and user-friendly motion capture, making it ideal for standard movements and scenarios involving multiple actors with the same setup. Its versatility supports a wide range of applications, including occupational health and safety, rehabilitation and injury prevention, biomechanics, and human factors research. The system is designed for comfort and can be easily worn over clothing.
Data sheet: download
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FREEEMG 1000 – Wireless EMG recording system
The FREEEMG 1000 is a wireless device designed for surface electromyography (EMG) analysis. It delivers highly accurate signal measurements, and its wireless design, combined with lightweight and compact probes, enables the evaluation of movements across any body part without disrupting the natural motion of the individual being tested. The FREEEMG 1000 can be seamlessly integrated with third-party motion capture systems, such as the Xsens Awinda, for enhanced data analysis and comprehensive movement evaluation.
Data sheet: download
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