The aim of the project is the development of a demonstrator, which enables the detection of potentially damaging movement sequences and postures by means of inexpensive sensor technology and thus an evaluation of the quality of rehabilitation measures based on objective data. The system is being developed as a telemedicine tool that records and analyzes data during movement, transmits it to the therapist, and enables the therapist to care for his patients in their physical absence. The solution includes the definition and procurement of the required electronic components, the development of a positioning concept for the attachment of the sensor technology, the integration and construction of the demonstrator as well as the development of evaluation software. Subsequently, the first test version will be evaluated, the telemedical application will be developed and a larger number of test persons will be recruited to verify the demonstrator. Comparative measurements will be carried out between the demonstrator and an optoelectronic measurement system. The project's significant innovation lies in its impact on the health care and information technology sectors (predominantly SMEs) in terms of the use of a wide variety of sensors and their temporal synchronization (sensor data fusion). Interdisciplinary synergy effects promote the development of new business concepts. The use of intelligent technologies, in the sense of the further development of bicycle ergometers, leads to an expansion of the customer base with a simultaneous expansion of existing business areas. Companies that produce similar products can diversify their product ranges through their own further developments, based on the findings of the research project.

Acknowledgements

We would like to express our gratitude for the funding of the research project with the funding code 01IF22479N, which was provided as part of the program to promote “Industrial Collective Research (IGF)” from the budgetary funds of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) on the basis of a resolution of the German Bundestag via the German Aerospace Center (DLR) as the project management agency.

We also extend our sincere thanks to all companies and their employees for their active support in the execution of this project.