LETI: Capturing motion- a unique 3D video analysis laboratory opened at LETI
The Research Laboratory of Motion Capture and Modeling Systems was opened in February 2022 in the R&D zone of St. Petersburg Electrotechnical University “LETI” at the expense of the Priority 2030 project. The laboratory is equipped with high-speed infrared cameras to record kinematics, dynamometer platforms that record support reaction forces, and myography systems with inertial sensors to record electrical activity in muscles.
“The lab handles prosthetic testing and development, musculoskeletal system assessment, as well as research on various orthopedic devices, modeling musculoskeletal system, and integration of exo-skeletal and musculoskeletal systems.”
Andrey Aksenov, the head of the laboratory, Associate Professor of the Department of Laser Measurement and Navigation Systems at LETI
In the laboratory, the team of the Department of Laser Measurement and Navigation Systems conducts research on the biomechanics of walking in patients from rehabilitation centers with various disabilities. Scientists analyze and select the necessary orthopedic equipment for each patient, and a project to test special footwear is planned to be launched. In addition, projects on drone positioning and navigation are underway here.
The laboratory also hosts classes for students of the Faculty of Information Measurement and Biotechnical Systems. They conduct their research as part of their theses focused on the development of a lower limb prosthesis and spine diagnostics in dynamics and statics.
The LETI laboratory is currently the only one in St. Petersburg with equipment that can be used to solve multidisciplinary problems in such fields as medicine, sports, cinema, orthopedics, and exoskeletons. Dynamometer platforms, operating at 1,000 hertz, and 16 electromyographic sensors allow for promptly performing the necessary studies without consumables. In the summer of 2022, the university plans to equip the laboratory with high-speed cameras. The partners are software developers Qualisys and Emera LLC.
In the future, it is planned to open a center for providing medical services to the population: diagnostics of musculoskeletal system diseases, analysis of running and spine conditions, based on the laboratory. Andrey Aksenov also notes that the laboratory has great potential for large-scale research projects, for example, developing a lower limb prosthesis and assessing its functioning. Among the completed projects is a biochemical report for rehabilitation paralysis and recommendations for orthopedic devices for patients with cerebral palsy.
Scientists plan to conduct future research in the Laboratory of Motion Capture and Modeling Systems to validate navigation systems and debug drones and robotic systems.