Bio-Inspired Advanced Exercise Concepts
Posted by NASA via Innocentive:
There are many exercise devices that exist today. Many use servomotors pneumatics, flywheels and elastic bands which are all available today off the shelf. NASA would like to find new concepts that are inspired by biology. This type of biomimicry has shown to be efficient and durable in many cases. Solvers are asked to come up with bio-inspired exercise mechanism that will be the basis for resistive and aerobic exercises for astronauts.
5 in 1 Sport Astronaut Wing (SAW) and potential application today
Development and design: Viktor Vildović, Victor Production R&D sector
Assembly: Exercise equipment, air purifier and UPS
Field: Aerospace engineering, Deep Tech hardware, Dual-Use technologies, Biomechanics of extreme environments, ECLSS - Environmental Control and Life Support Systems
Keywords: Victor Production SAW, Deep Tech investments, Dual-Use technology, electromagnetic resistance, biomimetics, LEO economy, NASA InnoCentive, compact fitness equipment for home and office.
Engineering for Earth, orbit and deep Space. Discover the first self-sustaining, bionically inspired mechanism compressed to just 25 kilograms, which replaces over 200 kg of conventional fitness equipment. SAW redefines the performance of commercial space stations, submarines and smart offices, delivering its own electrical grid and clean air.
1. SECTION: Problem Definition
Space in capsules and vehicles is limited, and maintaining astronauts' physical and mental health requires daily, rigorous training. Conventional equipment takes up valuable space, consumes energy, and typically performs only one function. SAW (5 in 1 Sport Astronaut Wing) addresses the need for compact, multifunctional and energy-efficient exercise equipment.
2. SECTION: Technological Core (Mechanics)
SAW combines advanced mechatronics, electromagnetic resistance and bionic design to provide five essential biomechanical functions in one central unit. Modular attachments are installed or removed within seconds, transforming the device between modes without complicated assembly.
3. SECTION: Features (5 in 1)
- Strength training (ARED replacement) — electromagnetic resistance that simulates weight lifting without mass;
- Cardio cycling (CEVIS alternative) — ergometer with precise load control;
- Running simulation (T2 alternative) — compact treadmill for interval and endurance training;
- Rowing ergometer — rope pulling for cardiovascular and back training;
- Multifunctional ropes — focused, therapeutic exercises.
4. SECTION: Deep Tech Systems (Power and Air)
SAW generates and stores energy by converting biomechanical work into electrical energy. An integrated 200 Wh LiFePO4 buffer battery (7C) and 1 kW inverter provide DC 5V and AC 220V outputs — essentially a personal UPS for equipment and devices. Active climate control and ECLSS functionality draw in and filter air around the user through HEPA/VOC filters, reducing the load on central ventilation systems.
5. SECTION: Testing and Commercialization
Designed according to NASA InnoCentive challenge requirements and compatible with strict health standards, SAW is also adaptable for use in luxury yachting, tactical environments, submarines and smart offices. Small dimensions (~25 kg) and modularity facilitate serial production and distribution as a dual-use product.
6. Call to investors and partners
Victor Production opens access to strategic capital and invites Deep Tech VC funds, B2B distributors and industrial partners to participate in development and commercialization. We offer a complete development process from CAD design to 5-axis CNC machining to serial production.
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