Center-Pivot Treadmill System for VR-Integrated Research Applications

The University is soliciting prospective proponents to submit proposals for a Center-Pivot Treadmill System for VR-Integrated Research Applications.

A specialized treadmill system is essential for research in virtual reality (VR) environments. It enables the controlled simulation of various walking and running scenarios while monitoring interactions with ground reaction forces. The treadmill must allow precise control of speed, direction, and tilt to mimic real-world dynamics and must seamlessly integrate with VR scenarios through a software development kit (SDK). Additionally, the treadmill should support a center-pivot mechanism to replicate natural gait dynamics and provide researchers with the flexibility to programmatically control movement for experimental designs.

To maximize the utility of the VR lab space, the treadmill’s handrails must be removable, and a custom-designed pit/treadmill cover must be included that allows the lab space to be safely repurposed for non-treadmill experiments and general foot traffic. The system’s versatility in facilitating controlled biomechanical experiments while preserving space functionality is critical to advancing research in gait, balance, and navigation in immersive VR contexts.

The treadmill system must feature a split belt unit with a center-pivot design to replicate natural gait and balance during dynamic VR-based scenarios accurately. It must allow programmatic control via an SDK to integrate with VR platforms (i.e., Unreal Engine 5 (Epic Games, USA) and Unity (Unity Software Inc., USA)), enabling synchronization with real-time VR experiences and customized experimental protocols. The system must accommodate a range of speeds and incline/decline movements, supporting diverse populations and tasks, such as walking, running, and uneven terrain simulations, and dynamically inclining/declining in response to virtual scene changes.

Data export should be available in standard formats to support integration with analysis tools and VR systems. The treadmill should also be robust enough to support extended usage across various research activities and participant groups, including individuals with mobility impairments.

Mandatory Technical Requirements:

1. Treadmill System
1.1 The proposed solution must feature a split belt unit with a center-pivot design.
1.2 The proposed solution must fit and be functional (able to pivot) in a pit whose dimensions are 294 cm wide, 226 cm long, and 77 cm deep without any gaps in the pit around the exterior of the treadmill larger than 1.5 cm.
1.3 The three components of each ground reaction force and the three components of each ground reaction torque (hereafter collectively referred to as “GRFs”) must be measurable by all force plates (FPs) synchronously
1.4 The force plates must be capable of measuring forces and torques for adults running at a speed of 5 m/s, or greater (i.e., capable of measuring vertical forces up to a minimum of 5,000 N)
1.5 The GRFs must be measured with a sampling frequency of at least 1,000 Hz
1.6 The “gap” between the two support surfaces must be 5 mm, or less
1.7 The static centre of pressure error must be below 2 mm.
1.8 There must be less than 0.5% crosstalk between GRF data channels.
1.9 The amplifiers will be located up to 30 feet away from the treadmill. Cables of at least 30 feet in length must be provided to connect to the amplifiers through a conduit.
1.10 The treadmill FPs must come with a sufficient number of amplifiers to run the treadmill.
1.11 The centre pivot design must allow for the continuous movement of the treadmill belts while changing from incline to decline at a minimum of 10 deg/sec
1.12 The walking/running surface must be capable of inclining between ± 5 deg, or greater
1.13 The belt speed must be adjustable to 5 m/s, or greater
1.14 The belts must be able to operate in both forward and reverse directions.
1.15 The system must allow each belt to be controlled independently, allowing for complete control of the locomotion environment
1.16 An independent overhead safety structure and harness that attaches to the ceiling overhead (i.e., through the cylinder to 4.5m ceiling) must be provided. Any installed anchor must meet the Ontario Building Code.
1.17 The treadmill system must be able to dynamically adjust incline/decline in response to VR scene changes
1.18 The treadmill’s handrails must be removable
1.19 A custom cover must be provided that fully covers the treadmill (with handrails removed) and pit. The cover must, once installed, be flush with the floor and allow for general foot traffic (i.e., support up to 600 lbs) and for the space to be repurposed for non-treadmill experimental protocols

2. Software
2.1 The system must be compatible (i.e., bidirectional feedback) with the virtual reality software Unreal Engine 5 (Epic Games, USA) and Unity (Unity Software Inc, USA)
2.2 The system must be capable of connecting and synchronizing with motion capture equipment/software currently in the lab space (i.e., Qualisys, QTM,)
2.3 The measurement software must allow for unlimited departmental licenses.
2.4 The measurement software must allow data export to any one of the following common biomechanics formats: c3d, trc, or csv files.
2.5 The proposed system must include all necessary SDK/API components to enable integration with Unity and/or Unreal Engine 5 without requiring separate licensing or additional software purchases.

3. Warranty/CSA/Installation and Training
3.1 Must include a minimum of one (1) year of warranty for all hardware and software.
3.2 Must be capable of providing up to a total of five (5) years of warranty.
3.3 Delivery, installation, initial calibration, testing, and on-site training for a minimum of five (5) users must be included.

Bidding and Documents are available on http://www.merx.com. Fees may apply; See https://www.merx.com/public/pricing for more information.