TELMAT Industrie’s MACAO is complete motion capture system

TELMAT Industrie of France, a specialist in 3D measuring equipment, has launched MACAO – a complete motion capture and body measurement system. The product is a technological first in the field of three-dimensional biomechanics, since it brings together the automated functions of static and dynamic anthropometric measurements of the human body, as well as motion capture.

[ClickPress, Fri Jun 02 2006] In the defence sector, the tests and measurements carried out by MACAO (an abbreviation meaning Automated Personnel Anthropometric Characterisation Resource in French) enable the impact of new infantry dress and equipment to be characterised and its mobility to be studied. Used in combination with a database, MACAO makes it possible to perform anthropometric and dimensional characterisations of personnel fitted out in their clothing and with their equipment, rather than just in underwear. As soon as the markers are positioned, MACAO automatically carries out the measurements without any need for manual intervention.

The personnel are characterised in static condition and in the process of accomplishing simple movements in relation to different operational positions: standing upright, lying flat on the belly, sitting, in firing position and carrying out reflex movements. The tests assess the physical constraints with regard to dimensions and sizes, weight, freedom and amplitude of movement. The postures taken up as well as the movements carried out and analysed correspond to those required within an operational context.

MACAO will carry out measurements within the framework of the FELIN programme (Fantassins avec Equipements de Liaisons Intégrés – Infantrymen with Integrated Liaison Equipment) run by the French Directorate-General for Armament (the official defence procurement agency). This analytical programme is a world first owing to the complete integration into the static and dynamic measuring circuit of the different effects and equipment used by infantrymen in the theatre of operations. The equipment provided for within the FELIN programme is of many different types – heavy and light ballistic protection jackets, electronic harnesses and armaments jackets, as well as the whole set of equipment with the various integrated technical elements (GPS, computer, radio, battery and grenades, as well as body joint guards for protection against shrapnel, which are located on both the clothing and technical equipment). Infantrymen will also be fitted out with NRBC protection (Nuclear, Radiological, Bacteriological and Chemical).

An anthropometric database will be built up in order to determine the sizes of the clothing best suited to the infantry population. Complete traceability of the tests and measurements (dynamic and static measurements) will be ensured.

MACAO can also be used to qualify the special effects for other professions: fire-fighters, frogmen, members of special police or army intervention teams and commandos.

About TELMAT

TELMAT, which is headquartered in Alsace (eastern France), manufactures 3D measuring equipment, internet security products and other solutions for the IT and telecommunications sectors.
For further information, please go to: www.telmat.com