Polhemus
| Polhemus | |
|---|---|
| Information | |
| Type | Private |
| Industry | Motion tracking, Electronic Equipment and Instruments |
| Founded | 1969 |
| Headquarters | Colchester, Vermont, United States |
| Notable Personnel | Skip Rodgers (President) |
| Products | 6DOF Motion Tracking Systems, 3D Laser Scanners, Eye Tracking Systems |
| Website | www.polhemus.com |
Polhemus is a technology company specializing in electromagnetic motion tracking systems, 3D laser scanning, and eye tracking solutions. Founded in 1969, 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 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 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.[3] 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.[4]
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.[5]
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.[6] 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.[6]
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.[7]
- Embeddable Sensors: The company's sensors are small, lightweight, and can be fully embedded within objects for seamless tracking.[6]
- Low Latency: Polhemus systems offer real-time tracking with minimal latency, critical for applications requiring immediate feedback.[7]
- High Accuracy: The technology provides sub-millimeter positional accuracy and precise orientation measurements.[5]
Products
Polhemus offers a range of motion tracking systems, each designed to meet specific application needs. Their product line includes:[8]
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.[9]
- G4: A wireless motion tracker that provides full 6DOF tracking through most walls with no line-of-sight required.[10]
- LIBERTY: Their fastest and most accurate tracker, updating at 240Hz per sensor with virtually no latency.[10]
- LIBERTY LATUS: A wireless tracking system designed for large area coverage.[10]
- PATRIOT: A cost-effective two-sensor system with a small footprint, designed for applications requiring up to two sensors.[11]
- 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.[12]
- SCOUT: A self-contained 6DOF head tracker specifically designed for military applications, particularly for helmet tracking in live military aircraft.[10]
Other Products
- 3D Laser Scanning: Solutions for creating precise 3D models of physical objects, particularly useful in healthcare for orthotic and prosthetic applications.[9]
- Eye Tracking Systems: Technologies used to measure eye position and movement, employed in various research and healthcare applications.[9]
- Micro Sensors: Small-sized sensors like the Micro Sensor 1.8™ for applications requiring minimal size and weight.[8]
- Digitizing Tools: Products like the G4 Stylus for digitizing objects and environments.[8]
Applications
Polhemus technology is used across multiple industries and applications:
Healthcare
In the healthcare sector, Polhemus technologies are employed in:[7]
- 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.
Military and Defense
Polhemus has a long history of providing solutions for military applications:[13]
- 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.[13]
Virtual and Augmented Reality
In the virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) space, Polhemus technology enables:[14]
- 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:[7]
- Neuroscience Applications: Including EEG (electroencephalogram) electrode positioning and brain mapping.
- Biomechanics Research: Studying human motion and sports performance.
- Educational Simulations: Creating interactive learning experiences in various fields.
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.[14]
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.[15]
Awards and Recognition
Polhemus has received numerous awards for its motion tracking technology and contributions to various industries:[16]
- 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
References
- ↑ 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/
- ↑ Polhemus Company Profile, PitchBook. Retrieved May 2, 2025, from https://pitchbook.com/profiles/company/138320-74
- ↑ Polhemus Announces Change in Ownership. (January 16, 2013). Retrieved May 2, 2025, from https://polhemus.com/news/entry/text/javascript
- ↑ Leadership Change Announced at Polhemus. (January 3, 2012). Retrieved May 2, 2025, from https://polhemus.com/company/news/
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 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/
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Polhemus Electromagnetic Tracking Systems. Retrieved May 2, 2025, from https://polhemus.com/applications/electromagnetics/
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 Motion Tracking Case Studies. Retrieved May 2, 2025, from https://polhemus.com/motion-tracking/case-studies/
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 Motion Tracking System Components, Polhemus. Retrieved May 2, 2025, from https://polhemus.com/news
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 About Polhemus | Healthcare Simulation. HealthySimulation.com. Retrieved May 2, 2025, from https://www.healthysimulation.com/medical-simulation/vendors/polhemus/
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 Polhemus All Trackers. Retrieved May 2, 2025, from https://polhemus.com/motion-tracking/all-trackers/
- ↑ Polhemus Patriot. Retrieved May 2, 2025, from https://polhemus.com/motion-tracking/all-trackers/patriot
- ↑ Polhemus Fastrak. Retrieved May 2, 2025, from https://polhemus.com/motion-tracking/all-trackers/fastrak
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 Polhemus Markets - Military. Retrieved May 2, 2025, from https://polhemus.com/markets/military/
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 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
- ↑ 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
- ↑ Polhemus Awards and Accolades. Retrieved May 2, 2025, from https://polhemus.com/company/awards-accolades/