ADI sensor technology aids competitive rowers

Netherlands based Roessingh Research & Development specialises in ambulatory 3d analysis of human motion and is using the Xsens MVN system to study rowing kinematics and associated implications for competitive rowing. The system combines ADI's iMEMs inertial sensing technology with sensor fusion algorithms and biochemical models to produce 3d movement and kinematic output. This provides coaches with information about the movement, timing and behaviour of individual rowers or assembled rowing teams. Xsens MVN is equipped with 17 motion trackers containing more than 80 ADI iMEMS sensors and 17 ADI Blackfin dsps. In pilot studies, rowers wore the Xsens MVN system while rowing for 20 minutes. The data was rendered via a software application to replicate the real time 3d movements of the rowers, providing data that coaches can use to optimise and correct rowers' movements. Chris Baten, RRD's programme manager, said: "As a key enabling technology within Xsens' high quality motion capture solutions, ADI's iMEMS inertial sensing devices are allowing RRD to apply advanced motion tracking technology to competitive rowing in ways previously unexplored."