Vocational School of Justice
EXERCISING IN SPACE
Izmir University of Economics (IUE), who is getting ready to train the future Aerospace Engineers, developed exercise harness for astronauts. Mehmet Ergül, Student at IUE Faculty of Fine Arts and Design, Department of Industrial Design, designed an exercise harness called, “Orpheus”, as a result of consultations with NASA Johnson Space Center and the guidance of astronaut coaches.
Ergül, who gave information about his project, said “The Space Station has its own exercise equipment called ARED (Advanced Resistive Exercise Device), which helps the human body to exercise in the microgravity environment. However, ARED has some points lacking in terms of ergonomics and space usage, and its technology remains weak as of 2016. The product needs to adapt itself to the body and has to be perfect in terms of ergonomics. So, I redesigned it, and when doing that, I have taken the future space missions into consideration.”
‘Perfect ergonomic feel’
There is no concept of direction in microgravity environment, and therefore the exercise device should also adapt itself to the body, reported Ergül. “The Orpheus Exerciser is basically an exoskeleton which we wear to our body. In this way, we achieve an excellent user-product consistency and harmony. The product’s design as an exoskeleton fits the body perfectly and satisfies the ergonomic needs, said Ergül.