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Weightless Canvas

Reimagining zero-gravity fitness through immersive technology.

Published onDec 12, 2024
Weightless Canvas
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★Project Concept


In the confined environment of space, maintaining physical and mental well-being is essential. This project focuses on transforming astronaut workouts in zero gravity by introducing an immersive, gamified experience. Using XR technology combined with self-resistance exercises, the system aims to make exercising more engaging and enjoyable for astronauts.

★Background


In space, astronauts must exercise for around two hours daily to mitigate the effects of prolonged exposure to microgravity, which can severely impact their physical health. Without Earth’s gravitational pull, muscles and bones rapidly weaken, as they aren’t bearing any weight. This can lead to muscle atrophy and bone density loss at a rate much higher than on Earth, increasing the risk of fractures and injuries.

Additionally, exercise also has important psychological benefits in the isolated, confined environment of space. Regular physical activity helps manage stress, boosts mood, and promotes better sleep—factors crucial to mental health and mission success.

★How Astronaut Workout in space?


★Inspiration


Resistance band is a lightweight, flexible and adjustable tool for strength training, allowing astronauts to engage in muscle conditioning without bulky equipment. Therefore it can be a great tool for supplement training.

★Brainstorm


Figure 1: Initial sketch on how physical actions can be translated into creative or abstract interactions within the game.

Some ideas of an AR interactive game that translates physical exercise into different in-game actions, allowing players to have fun while staying active. Maybe it can be some creative games, such as balloon popping, 3D drawing, graffiti, and more.

Figure 2: Initial brainstorming on the use of self-resistance exercises in zero gravity and their potential connection to artistic expression.

★Design Considerations


This project combines an XR technology with resistance band exercises to create a unique workout solution for astronauts. Resistance bands are particularly suited for zero gravity as they provide tension through elasticity rather than depending on Earth’s gravity. This allows astronauts to perform exercises in a variety of positions, effectively targeting different muscle groups and improving overall strength and flexibility.

The use of immersive XR technology elevates daily training routines, transforming what might otherwise be tedious and repetitive into an engaging, interactive experience. This approach not only breaks the monotony of traditional workouts but also boosts motivation, mental stimulation, and overall morale, making exercise a highlight of their routine rather than a chore.

★System Overview


The core of this project is an interactive training system where astronauts complete strength-based tasks within an XR-powered game. Physiological sensors, such as heart rate monitors, are integrated into the system to provide real-time data. This data allows the game to dynamically adjust its difficulty based on the player’s engagement level. As the player performs resistance band exercises to complete in-game challenges, the game adapts, ensuring that workouts remain both effective and enjoyable. This feedback loop between physical activity and the virtual environment enhances both physical fitness and mental stimulation in the constrained, zero-gravity setting of the International Space Station.

Figure 3: High-level system siagram

★How’s the prototype?


Figure 4: Storyboard depicting the flow and key elements of the initial prototype.

Figure 5: Instruction menu interaction

Figure 6: Balloon popping in AR

more to come…

★ Experimental Setup and Materials


This project will rely on three primary components:

  • XR Headset: Apple vision pro will be used to create the immersive AR environment where the workout game takes place. It will provide visual and audio cues to guide the participant through various strength training tasks.

  • Resistance Bands: Resistance bands serve as the primary tool for physical exercise in this setup. Participants can choose from bands with varying resistance levels to match their specific fitness goals. Their versatility enables a wide range of strength exercises, making them well-suited for the challenges of a zero-gravity environment.

  • Physiological Sensors: Wearable sensors like heart rate monitors and accelerometers will measure the participants’ engagement, movement intensity, and physical exertion. This data is fed back into the game in real-time, allowing it to adjust the intensity and difficulty of challenges dynamically based on the player’s current performance.

★Interaction with Project Artifacts


  • Physical Interaction: The player will use resistance bands for strength training. Their movements—whether pulling, pushing, or stretching the bands—will be directly linked to in-game tasks or objectives, creating a fully integrated workout experience.

  • Virtual Interaction: The XR headset will provide an augmented environment, where the visuals correspond to the player's physical movements. As the player engages with the resistance bands, the game create a real-time interactive experience to keep them fully engaged throughout the session.

★ Documenting the Project


  • Qualitative Feedback: Before the flight, the system will be tested by other users. Their feedback on the engagement and satisfaction of the workouts will help refine the system before it is implemented in a zero-gravity setting.

  • On the Zero-G Flight:

    • Record Physical Data: During the workouts, physiological data such as heart rate, movement intensity, and exertion levels will be logged. This data will be used to assess the effectiveness of the system in maintaining or improving physical fitness.

    • Video Recording and Capture Gameplay: Both real-time interactions with the system and in-game footage from the XR interface will be recorded. This visual documentation will be critical for understanding how the system performs in a zero-gravity environment.

★ Thinking about Safety and Space Constraints


Given the limited space on the flight, the equipment should be compact, lightweight, and easy to deploy. The resistance bands need to be secured in a way that allows for safe use without causing accidental movement or collisions with other objects. Additionally, the participant will need to be anchored, either at the hands or feet, to prevent drifting during exercises due to the zero-gravity conditions. This ensures that the workout remains controlled and effective while keeping both the participant and surrounding equipment safe.

About Me (ᵔᵕᵔ)◜


Above: Mackenzie’s professional headshot

Mackenzie Li is a researcher, engineer, and artist with a focus on immersive technologies, human-computer interaction, and XR development. Her passion lies in blending cutting-edge technology with creative design to redefine and expand how humans engage with the digital realm.

Learn more about her HERE

Connect with her on LinkedIn

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