Omni-directional treadmill system

Abstract

Our problem definition for a locomotion haptic treadmill is a device that allows a user to walk normally in place in any direction by insuring that the reaction force that is felt remains consistent in all planar directions. A novel omni-directional treadmill is presented in this paper which focuses on modulating the compliance in the plane. Powered offset casters are used as the transmission system to adjust the compliance between the user and the treadmill. The control system is developed using a rapid embedded programming method. A large cloth material or board can be used as the walking surface for the treadmill. A prototype system has been constructed.