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Polhemus

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Polhemus
Information
Type Private
Industry Motion tracking, Electronic Equipment and Instruments, Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality
Founded 1969
Founder Bill Polhemus
Headquarters Colchester, Vermont, United States
Notable Personnel Skip Rodgers (President), Al Rodgers (CEO)
Products 6DOF Motion Tracking Systems, 3D Laser Scanners, Eye Tracking Systems
Website www.polhemus.com
See also: Companies

Polhemus is a technology company specializing in electromagnetic motion tracking systems, 3D laser scanning, and eye tracking solutions. Founded in 1969 by Bill Polhemus, the company is known as the pioneer and leader in motion tracking technology, first introducing its proprietary electromagnetic tracking systems for military aviation applications. Today, Polhemus serves a wide range of markets including healthcare, military training and simulation, virtual reality, augmented reality, and research industries with its high-precision 6 Degree-Of-Freedom (6DOF) motion tracking technology.[1]

History

Polhemus was founded in 1969 by Bill Polhemus in Vermont and is headquartered in Colchester, Vermont.[2] The company initially developed its electromagnetic tracking technology for military aviation, specifically for head tracking systems for pilots.[1] This pioneering work in head tracking laid the foundation for the company's future innovations in motion measurement technology.

In the 1990s, Polhemus expanded its product portfolio beyond motion tracking to include eye tracking and 3D laser scanning solutions. This diversification allowed the company to enter new markets and applications, establishing itself as a trusted provider of motion measurement tracking technology.[1]

In 2006, Polhemus provided its LIBERTY tracking system to Carnegie Mellon University's Entertainment Technology Center for the "Building Virtual Worlds" course, marking a significant milestone in educational applications of AR.[3]

In January 2013, Polhemus announced a change in ownership when Skip Rodgers, who was already serving as the company's President, became a co-owner effective December 31, 2012.[4] Prior to this, the company was owned by Al Rodgers and Ken Jedrzejewski, who announced a leadership change in January 2012, with Skip Rodgers taking the helm.[5]

In 2017, Polhemus partnered with Sensics, a key player in VR hardware, to integrate its tracking systems into the Open-Source Virtual Reality (OSVR) platform, enhancing compatibility with a wide range of VR applications.[6]

In 2020, Polhemus released VIPER, a high-speed electromagnetic tracker, further solidifying its position in the motion tracking industry.[7]

In February 2022, Polhemus expanded its operations by opening a new office in Orlando, Florida. This strategic move was made to better serve customers in the region's prominent modeling and simulation industry, as Orlando sees more than $6 billion in simulation-related contract work flow through the region each year.[8]

Technology

Polhemus is known for its proprietary AC (alternating current) electromagnetic tracking technology, which allows for tracking the position and orientation of objects or individuals in real-time without requiring line-of-sight.[9] The company's systems provide full six-degrees-of-freedom (6DOF) tracking, meaning they can measure both position (X, Y, Z coordinates) and orientation (yaw, pitch, roll) simultaneously.[9]

Unlike optical tracking systems, Polhemus' electromagnetic tracking solutions do not require cameras, line-of-sight, or specific lighting conditions, making them highly versatile for professional VR and AR environments.[10] The company's 6DOF sensors are lightweight, embeddable, and capable of tracking multiple objects or people simultaneously, supporting applications such as head and body tracking, hand and finger tracking, and object tracking.[10]

Key Features of Polhemus Technology

  • Native 6DOF Tracking: Polhemus technology measures both position and orientation natively, without requiring post-processing of data to derive missing measurements.[1]
  • No Line-of-Sight Requirements: Unlike optical tracking systems, Polhemus electromagnetic tracking works through most non-metallic materials and does not require direct visual line-of-sight between sensors and receivers.[11]
  • Embeddable Sensors: The company's sensors are small, lightweight, and can be fully embedded within objects for seamless tracking.[9]
  • Low Latency: Polhemus systems offer real-time tracking with minimal latency, critical for applications requiring immediate feedback.[11]
  • High Accuracy: The technology provides sub-millimeter positional accuracy and precise orientation measurements.[8]
  • High Update Rates: Systems like VIPER offer update rates up to 960Hz, ensuring smooth and responsive tracking.[7]
  • Scalability: Configurable systems that can increase tracking range and support multiple sensors.[7]
  • Fly True Technology (FTT): A proprietary smart sensing feature that enhances tracking performance in challenging environments.[7]

Products

Polhemus offers a range of motion tracking systems, each designed to meet specific application needs. Their product line includes:[12]

Motion Tracking Systems

  • VIPER: Their newest and most advanced tracker, featuring high-speed update rates up to 960Hz and latency as low as 1ms, with customizable hardware. It supports up to 16 separate tracking points and is designed for applications in VR, AR, healthcare, and manufacturing.[13][7]
  • G4: A wireless motion tracker that provides full 6DOF tracking through most walls with no line-of-sight required. It offers over 10 hours of battery life and is compact for easy deployment.[14]
  • LIBERTY: Their fastest and most accurate tracker, updating at 240Hz per sensor with virtually no latency. It's scalable and can be configured from 4 to 16 sensors, with built-in distortion detection.[14][15]
  • LIBERTY LATUS: A wireless tracking system designed for large area coverage. It has been used in AR solutions, such as Total Immersion's D'FUSION software for creating interactive AR experiences.[14][16]
  • PATRIOT: A cost-effective two-sensor system with a small footprint, designed for applications requiring up to two sensors. Available in both wired and wireless variants, it's commonly used in training simulators and gait analysis.[17]
  • FASTRAK: One of their earliest and most successful products, often referred to as the "workhorse" of the industry, providing real-time six-degrees-of-freedom tracking with virtually no latency.[18]
  • SCOUT: A self-contained 6DOF head tracker specifically designed for military applications, particularly for helmet tracking in live military aircraft.[14]

Other Products

  • 3D Laser Scanning: Solutions for creating precise 3D models of physical objects, particularly useful in healthcare for orthotic and prosthetic applications. The FastSCAN II is a handheld laser scanner that creates real-time 3D surface models by sweeping a lightweight wand over the object.[13][19]
  • Eye Tracking Systems: Technologies used to measure eye position and movement, employed in various research and healthcare applications. The VisionTrak is an embeddable binocular eye tracking module designed for integration into medical and training simulators.[13]
  • Micro Sensors: Small-sized sensors like the Micro Sensor 1.8™ (with a 1.8mm outer diameter) for applications requiring minimal size and weight, such as finger tracking or integration into medical devices.[12]
  • Digitizing Tools: Products like the G4 Stylus for digitizing objects and environments.[12]

Applications

Polhemus technology is used across multiple industries and applications:

Healthcare

In the healthcare sector, Polhemus technologies are employed in:[11]

  • Medical Simulation and Training: For training healthcare professionals in procedures such as ultrasound examinations and surgical techniques.
  • Image-Guided Surgery: Providing real-time tracking of surgical instruments and patient positioning.
  • Biomechanics and Motion Analysis: For analyzing human movement in clinical settings.
  • Orthotics and Prosthetics: The company's 3D scanning technology is used to create custom-fitted orthotics and prosthetics.
  • Neuroimaging: Enabling EEG (electroencephalogram) electrode positioning and brain mapping.[20]

Military and Defense

Polhemus has a long history of providing solutions for military applications:[21]

  • Helmet Tracking: Used in both live aircraft and flight simulators for pilot head tracking.
  • Training Simulators: For various military training applications, including weapon simulators and vehicle operation.
  • Live Combat Aircraft: The SCOUT system is used in operational military aircraft including A-10, F-16, and C-130.[21]

Virtual and Augmented Reality

In the virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) space, Polhemus technology enables:[22]

  • Head Tracking: For immersive VR/AR experiences in head-mounted displays.
  • Hand and Finger Tracking: Allowing for natural interaction with virtual environments.
  • Full-Body Motion Capture: For avatar animation and movement analysis.
  • Location-Based Entertainment: Used in VR gaming and experience centers.

Research and Education

In academic and research settings, Polhemus systems are used for:[11][20]

  • Neuroscience Applications: Including EEG electrode positioning and brain mapping.
  • Biomechanics Research: Studying human motion and sports performance, such as tracking the hand movements of pianists at Akita University.
  • Educational Simulations: Creating interactive learning experiences in various fields.
  • Agricultural Studies: 3D digitization for plant growth studies under varying climate conditions.

Entertainment and Media

Polhemus technology enhances interactive experiences in entertainment:[16]

  • Interactive VR Exhibits: For trade shows and exhibitions.
  • Broadcast Media: CBS News used Total Immersion's AR solution, powered by LIBERTY LATUS, to provide technical explanations on the set of "48 Hours."
  • VR Games: Companies like Arcadian Virtual Reality employ the PATRIOT system for VR games and entertainment.

Partnerships and Integrations

Open Source Virtual Reality (OSVR)

In August 2017, Polhemus announced a partnership with Sensics, co-founder of the Open Source Virtual Reality (OSVR) platform. This integration allowed Polhemus tracking systems to be compatible with the OSVR software platform, giving users access to optimized game engine plugins and compatibility with a wide range of VR applications.[22][6]

Unity Integration

In April 2016, Polhemus released a Unity scripts package for its motion tracking systems. This integration allowed developers using the Unity game engine to more easily incorporate Polhemus tracking data into their applications. The package supported multiple Polhemus tracking systems including LIBERTY, PATRIOT, FASTRAK, and G4.[23]

Total Immersion

Polhemus collaborated with Total Immersion to advance AR solutions, with Total Immersion using LIBERTY LATUS for AR automotive visualizations and other interactive AR experiences.[16]

Carnegie Mellon University

Polhemus has worked with Carnegie Mellon University to support innovative educational curricula, providing its LIBERTY tracking system to the university's Entertainment Technology Center for the "Building Virtual Worlds" course.[3]

Awards and Recognition

Polhemus has received numerous awards for its motion tracking technology and contributions to various industries:[24]

  • Top Simulation Solution Provider, MedTech Outlook Magazine (2023)
  • Top Simulation and Training Company, Military Training Technology Magazine (2015)
  • Top Simulation and Training Company, Military Training Technology Magazine (2012)
  • Innovation Award, Military Training Technology Magazine (2009)
  • Innovation Award, Military Training Technology Magazine (2008)
  • Platinum Award for Innovation in Technology, AV Video Multimedia Producer

Contact Information

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Polhemus History - Over 50 Years of Experience. Polhemus. Retrieved May 2, 2025, from https://polhemus.com/company/history/
  2. ↑ Polhemus Company Profile, PitchBook. Retrieved May 2, 2025, from https://pitchbook.com/profiles/company/138320-74
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Polhemus Technology Used at Carnegie Mellon University. Polhemus. October 13, 2006. Retrieved May 2, 2025, from https://polhemus.com/news/2006-10-13/polhemus-technology-used-at-carnegie-mellon-university/
  4. ↑ Polhemus Announces Change in Ownership. (January 16, 2013). Retrieved May 2, 2025, from https://polhemus.com/news/entry/text/javascript
  5. ↑ Leadership Change Announced at Polhemus. (January 3, 2012). Retrieved May 2, 2025, from https://polhemus.com/company/news/
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Sensics Announces New Partnership with Polhemus. Polhemus. August 1, 2017. Retrieved May 2, 2025, from https://polhemus.com/news/2017-08-01/sensics-announces-new-partnership-with-polhemus/
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 Polhemus Releases VIPER. Polhemus. February 27, 2020. Retrieved May 2, 2025, from https://polhemus.com/news/2020-02-27/polhemus-releases-viper/
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 High-Fidelity Motion Tracking Company Expands to Orlando Region. (April 21, 2023). Orlando Economic Partnership. Retrieved May 2, 2025, from https://news.orlando.org/blog/high-fidelity-motion-tracking-company-polhemus-expands-to-orlando-region/
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 Polhemus Electromagnetic Tracking Systems. Retrieved May 2, 2025, from https://polhemus.com/applications/electromagnetics/
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 Virtual Reality. Polhemus. Retrieved May 2, 2025, from https://polhemus.com/applications/virtual-reality/
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 Motion Tracking Case Studies. Retrieved May 2, 2025, from https://polhemus.com/motion-tracking/case-studies/
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 Motion Tracking System Components, Polhemus. Retrieved May 2, 2025, from https://polhemus.com/news
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 About Polhemus | Healthcare Simulation. HealthySimulation.com. Retrieved May 2, 2025, from https://www.healthysimulation.com/medical-simulation/vendors/polhemus/
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 Polhemus All Trackers. Retrieved May 2, 2025, from https://polhemus.com/motion-tracking/all-trackers/
  15. ↑ LIBERTY Accurate, Scalable Tracker. Polhemus. Retrieved May 2, 2025, from https://polhemus.com/motion-tracking/all-trackers/liberty
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 Total Immersion Uses Polhemus LIBERTY LATUS. Polhemus. Retrieved May 2, 2025, from https://polhemus.com/case-studies/total-immersion-and-wireless-tracking-liberty-latus/
  17. ↑ Polhemus Patriot. Retrieved May 2, 2025, from https://polhemus.com/motion-tracking/all-trackers/patriot
  18. ↑ Polhemus Fastrak. Retrieved May 2, 2025, from https://polhemus.com/motion-tracking/all-trackers/fastrak
  19. ↑ FastSCAN II Handheld Laser Scanner – Key Features. Polhemus. Retrieved May 2, 2025, from https://polhemus.com/scanning/fastscan/
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 Case Studies. Polhemus. Retrieved May 2, 2025, from https://polhemus.com/case-studies/
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 Polhemus Markets - Military. Retrieved May 2, 2025, from https://polhemus.com/markets/military/
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 OSVR Getting Motion Tracking Via Partnership Polhemus. Tom's Hardware. Retrieved May 2, 2025, from https://www.tomshardware.com/news/osvr-motion-tracking-sensics-polhemus,35140.html
  23. ↑ Polhemus Releases Unity Scripts for Polhemus Motion Tracking Systems. Retrieved May 2, 2025, from https://polhemus.com/news/entry/polhemus-releases-unity-scripts-for-polhemus-motion-tracking-systems
  24. ↑ Polhemus Awards and Accolades. Retrieved May 2, 2025, from https://polhemus.com/company/awards-accolades/
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