Remember when you learned about gravity for the very first time? It was a mind-boggling revelation that changed everything around you, right? Brace yourself because now you will find something equally fascinating.
There is a platform that simulates gravity for therapeutic purposes. Yes, you read that right.
Mars Planet is a Space research organization focused on Mars exploration studies. Virtual Space Systems is a spin-off of the same. The purpose of the wing is to develop technologies for the virtual exploration of space. Their latest innovation is a treadmill equipped with virtual reality software. Why is this revolutionary? The treadmill, called Motigravity, simulates the exploration of Mars, the Moon, and other space environments which can possibly rehabilitate patients suffering from neuromotor diseases.
What exactly is Motigravity?
Motigravity is a treadmill for virtual reality used to simulate human exploration in space environments. Not only does it allow 360 degrees of movement, but it also affects the low gravity environment found in space environments. One of these is definitely EVA (Extra-Vehicular Activity) carried out by astronauts. Motigravity simulates the astronauts’ movement at the various levels of gravity on different space terrains. According to the researchers, the primary mission is to supply an affordable tool that can simulate more exploration activities with different levels of gravity. This will be a giant leap in the space industry.
How does Motigravity work?
Something new was needed to obtain a complete recognition of the movement of the body. The process, also known as Body Tracking, could be achieved with IntelliBody System. This system allows the detection of a person’s movement on the treadmill. A similar method will help motor rehabilitation for patients. Motigravity can be integrated with other tools to make it more functional and helpful in the field of medicine. With the help of Motigravity, wheelchair users could possibly carry out activities in the VR environment. A study published in the Spanish journal “neurologia.com”, conducted by Mars Planet and some foreign partners, revealed Motigravity improved the neuromotor skills of some Parkinson’s patients.
Medical Applications that matters
It will be of more use in the medical sector. The tool comes with specific software that can help patients in the rehabilitation of behavioural diseases, stroke, multiples sclerosis, sleep deprivation, and anxiety treatment. While the initial function was to simulate space simulations, Motigravity can be used in various fields. Apart from medicine, it can be helpful in sports and STEM/Education.
Motigravity simulates and recognizes all the basic human senses like touch, smell, sound, and other cerebral activities. It can be used in a single or multi-user configuration. The inbuilt software is also able to recognize external devices such as telecommunication signals such as audio/video recognition, rovers, and stations.
What Will Virtual Reality be used for?
Virtual Reality experiences can cause unpleasant effects such as nausea and dizziness in some people. When astronauts are on space posts like the International Space Station, similar effects can occur on the vestibular system. The human exploration of space, especially Mars, can be better understood with the help of Virtual Reality. It will also alter the way medicine, sports, and entertainment, and education sectors function shortly.
While anything new takes time to develop after the initial idea has been well received, Motigravity is already becoming a buzzword in the global market. Science and technology shape our lives every single day and once in a while, such remarkable innovations leave a positive impact on the lives of millions. Motigravity holds the power to better understand and perhaps cure several serious medical conditions. We can’t wait to know what happens next with this revolutionary treadmill.
