Robotic Training Platform for Surface-Adaptive Coaching Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing athletic training systems lack the ability to provide accurate, real-time, and granular coaching feedback, often distracting individuals and failing to account for real-world surface variations, and do not offer tangible targets for training.
Innovation Solution
A robotic training system comprising a mobile platform with sensors and a processor that adjusts its path based on environmental data, providing smooth and natural feedback by following track surfaces and offering visual, audio, and haptic cues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If existing fitness monitoring devices provide coaching feedback during athletic activity, then individuals receive performance information, but the feedback distracts the individual from focusing on the ongoing athletic activity
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic platform serves as an intermediary that provides coaching feedback through environmental cues (visual markers on the track, auditory signals from the robot) rather than direct digital notifications to the athlete. This mediator approach delivers necessary information while maintaining the athlete's focus on the physical activity by using natural sensory channels already engaged during exercise.
2Loss of information
If existing systems provide coaching feedback, then performance information is delivered, but the feedback is not accurate or insightful enough for comparing past performances and developing strategies
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where the robotic platform monitors athletic performance in real-time, compares it against target parameters, and adjusts coaching cues dynamically. This closed-loop feedback provides accurate, actionable information by constantly measuring performance metrics and delivering corrective guidance based on deviations from desired performance patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-programs training protocols, target performance parameters, and coaching strategies before the athletic activity begins. This preliminary configuration allows the robotic platform to provide insightful feedback by comparing real-time performance against pre-established benchmarks and previously recorded performances, enabling strategic development before the athlete even starts exercising.
3Loss of information
If existing systems monitor athletic activity, then performance data is collected, but the systems are not suitable for monitoring in many real world athletic competitive or training sessions
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic platform is autonomous and self-navigating, capable of independently following the athletic track and maintaining appropriate positioning without requiring manual control or setup adjustments during each session. This self-service capability makes the system adaptable to various real-world training environments, as it can autonomously handle navigation and environmental variations without requiring specialized infrastructure or constant human intervention.
4Loss of information
If existing systems provide coaching feedback, then performance information is delivered, but the systems do not provide physical targets for individuals to react to
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic platform uses visual markers and color-coded indicators on the track surface that change or appear in response to the athlete's performance. These visual targets provide intuitive, naturally-reactive cues that athletes can perceive and respond to using their existing visual processing during exercise, eliminating the need to focus on digital displays or auditory notifications that compete for attention.
Data Source
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AI summary
A robotic athletic training system may include a mobile robotic platform, a sensor module associated with the mobile robotic platform and configured to obtain data from an environment. The system may include a drive system that propels the platform, as well as a steering system that steers the platform. The system may include a processor which receives data from the sensor module and control the drive system or steering system to follow a path based on the data received from the sensor module. A method may include controlling a robotic athletic training system (or robotic training platform) so that it moves at a velocity. The robotic athletic training system may include a vision system configured to receive data related to a surface and compare a baseline data of a desired surface to the received data and adjusting a travel direction of the robotic system in response to the comparison.