HandSkates : an apparatus for physically intelligent exercise

Abstract

Physical Intelligence refers to the ability of the human organism to smartly and precisely coordinate its internal components and interactions in its environment to solve physically complex tasks. While Physical Intelligence is a key part of physical movement, many pieces of physical fitness equipment fail to challenge or exercise the organism's internal intelligence. Therefore, the goal of this thesis is to design an apparatus that through performing a set of exercises, challenges and develops the body's physical intelligence. Several strategies for developing an apparatus to develop physical intelligence were considered, including an underwater treadmill and an elastic method of providing resistance while running. In the end, however, the strategy developed was the HandSkate, a handheld, low-friction device intended to train core and upper-body muscles by forcing the user to balance themselves and stabilize the HandSkates while performing simple, familiar exercises. Two concepts for the HandSkate were prototyped and tested. The first concept, the 'Boomerang' design, was prototyped from aluminum and consists of a flat, V-shaped base with a cantilevered handle.

(cont.) This design is small and comfortable to grip and performs well during exercises that benefit from independent hand movement. The second prototype, the 'T' design, is larger than the first but has several options for hand orientation and allows for a two-handed grip, which allows the user to perform exercises that work best with only one device. Both prototypes easily provide fine motion and provide instability, which challenges the user's physical intelligence while the user exercises. Future improvements include reducing the size of the 'T' design and manufacturing in lighter, less expensive materials.