Next-Level Running: Technology You Feel
Running is one of the most popular sports in the world, but injuries are a major problem. Every year, hundreds of thousands of runners suffer from injuries, often due to incorrect technique or overuse. Despite developments in sports science, injury prevention remains a challenge. Wearable technology offers a promising solution by providing real-time feedback to improve movement and reduce potential risks. Our project combines advanced motion sensors with smart textile technology to develop a comfortable smart garment. This garment provides vibration feedback, allowing runners to adjust their movement in a natural way. In this way, we make running safer and more efficient.
Current solutions, such as sports watches, provide feedback via visual and haptic signals on the wrist. Although this technology provides support, these devices are not always effective in improving running technique, as they do not provide direct and targeted feedback on the dynamic movements of the entire body. Therefore, there is a need for a more innovative approach that combines real-time, accurate motion information with direct feedback to support runners.
This project is an initiative of the Sustainable & Functional Textiles research group.
The proposed smart garment goes beyond wrist-based devices by integrating both sensors and actuators (vibration motors) into textiles on different parts of the body. By combining motion tracking and light vibrations from vibration motors, this system offers a novel way to improve sports performance and prevent injuries. Runners receive real-time feedback via subtle vibrations, without having to rely on a screen, allowing for intuitive and continuous guidance.
The collaboration between Movella, experts in motion sensors, and Saxion’s Sustainable and Functional Textiles research group ensures a multidisciplinary approach. The research focuses on rapid prototyping, testing and refining, with direct input from runners to optimally tune the system to user needs. We investigate key challenges such as sensor mounting, vibration intensity, system responsiveness and the optimal position of the vibration motors.
The result is an innovative wearable that supports runners with every step, without the distraction of a screen. The applications extend beyond running and also provide valuable insights for rehabilitation, ergonomics and emergency services, where real-time motion feedback can be important for performance, safety and well-being.
Objective
Running offers many health benefits but is often accompanied by injuries. To address the challenge of running injuries, Movella and Saxion's research group Sustainable & Functional Textiles are collaborating on an innovative project called 'MotionVibe: Haptic Wearable with Motion Analysis', which involves the design of a smart garment: a wearable. This wearable has built-in motion sensors and vibration motors, which provide runners with real-time feedback on aspects such as their running style or rhythm. In addition to injury prevention, the project also aims for broader future applications in various sports disciplines as well as rehabilitation. The ultimate goal of the project is to stimulate innovation in sports and health technologies.
Partners
The project is subsidized by KIEM HighTech of Regieorgaan Sia (HT.KIEM.01.033).