The super skier Max Novak collaborates with Chalmers to reach new goals. He uses the physiology lab, which is located in Chalmers Makerspace Fuse.
Novak visits Chalmers to test the limit of how fast he can ski under controlled circumstances. Dan Kuylenstierna, associate professor at Chalmers, collected measurement data that shows how each part of the body works to reach these speeds.
Max Novak, who is used to intensive sessions, thinks the lab is well suited for doing tests.
"It's really good with these wide, fine bands, with cameras everywhere. There is good access here in Gothenburg," says Max Novak.
The lab consists of a large treadmill that can be tilted 25% at a speed of 50km/h. The band is suitable for skiing, running, roller skiing, inline skating, gait analysis and cycling. All around the lab are high-speed cameras and motion tracking equipment. To study cycling, in addition to the belt, there is a calibrated cycle ergometer that allows you to test workability and movement patterns. The physiology lab is used for various studies and experiments, where measurement data is collected for the analysis of human movement.
Even robots and smaller electric vehicles can be tested on the belt.
"The measurement data can be used, for example, to train algorithms to recognize movement patterns. This will be useful in teaching but also in research," says Dan Kuylenstierna.
During the tests with Max, a new technology with integrated sensors in the handle was used to measure force and velocity, which is required to calculate the power (in Watts). A method that has been developed by students at Chalmers.
“What is happening here right now will set the standard for the future. It is the first time we have the opportunity to collaborate with such expertise as Chalmers has, at the same time as we get access to this new technology with integrated sensors in the handle, says Mattias Reck who is Max Novak's coach.