Polhemus Innovation in Motion
Leading the Global 3D Motion Tracking Sector

Simulation has emerged as a vital tool for medical professionals seeking hands-on training and preparation for future endeavors. However, designing simulations that are challenging, realistic, and truly improve the skill sets of trainees can be a difficult task. Fortunately, innovative solutions are emerging to create increasingly realistic simulation experiences, and as technology advances, they are likely to play an even more prominent role in medical training.

A company occupying the center stage of these developments is Polhemus, a global leader in 3D motion tracking technology.

Polhemus is committed to providing high-quality, feature-rich 6 Degree-Of-Freedom (6DOF) motion measurement systems. From enabling the measurement of small, precise movements to large-area tracking, its solutions support a wide range of exciting applications.

“We have continuously evolved with the medical industry to design and build small, unobtrusive motion tracking sensors such that the training experience mirrors real life. Our embeddable, lightweight sensors allow simulators to precisely track the motion of the student or simulated tools as intended in the real world,” says Skip Rodgers, president of Polhemus.

Bringing EM Tracking to the Most Innovative and Diverse Simulations

William L “Bill” Polhemus, who had a noteworthy career as a military aviator, founded the company in 1969 with a focus on technical research, development, and production for flight navigation.

Polhemus’ focus on navigational experimentation led to the invention of 6DOF motion tracking using EM. The company’s tracking technology is known for its accuracy, speed of data output, size reduction, and other attributes that have allowed for the deployment of magnetic tracking outside of aviation navigation.

Since its founding in 1969, the company has expanded its offerings and brought electromagnetic (EM) tracking to healthcare patient simulators, dental training simulators, rehearsal trainers in fixed and rotary wing flight simulators, and even golf swing analysis clinics.

“We started with a technological focus on aircraft navigational equipment, where quality and performance cannot be compromised,” says Rodgers. “The medical space is as focused on optimal outcomes as the aviation industry. High-quality medical training ultimately benefits us all.”

Polhemus works closely with original equipment manufacturer (OEM) partners and researchers who are dedicated to advancing medical training. It provides them with integration support and guidance to ensure that the 6DOF tracking technology optimizes their state-of-the-art simulation products and services.

The EM Tracking Technology

The ability to provide accurate, consistent tracking data to a simulator allows the technology to stand out in the market. For example, when combined with Polhemus tracking, medical simulators can track how a student is moving medical instruments relative to the simulated patient. Techniques are often subtle, and tracking the slightest movements becomes crucial for skill development in a controlled and safe environment.

Our Decades Of Experience, Proven Outcomes, A Sincere Belief In Partnerships With Clients, Along With Integration Support, And Supplier Quality Set Us Apart From Our Competitors

In a typical training application, Polhemus’ sensors are often embedded in a medical instrument, an ultrasound probe, or a catheter. The sensors measure even the slightest movement of, say, the probe, and relay the positional and angular changes the student makes back to the simulator’s computer stack. The computer’s image generator updates the visual display to reflect the student’s motions.

A trainee learns how their actions affect the simulated patient. It can be the correct placement of instruments, the pressure applied, or the correct technique. If the movements are incorrect for the procedure, trainees get that feedback from the simulator.

EM technology tracks movement without the risk of occlusion caused by the trainee’s hands, body, or even the instrument itself. It comes with a high degree of motion tracking accuracy and low latency in data streaming from the tracker to the computer—all of which increase the effectiveness of the simulation experience.

Simple and Intuitive

Many medical simulators have benefited from embedding the sensors. Polhemus works closely with clients to customize its technology for specific use cases. In one example, a customer wanted to track the tip of a training needle.

Polhemus assisted them in integrating its technology by offsetting the sensor.

This allowed the customer to track a desired point without having a sensor directly on that point. It was operationalized through the software using a simple command to redefine the origin of the sensor.

In another instance, a customer utilized Polhemus to track ultrasound probe placement relative to an anatomically correct manikin.
“Our decades of experience, proven outcomes, a sincere belief in partnerships with clients, along with integration support, and supplier quality set us apart from our competitors,” says Rodgers.

Setting R&D Goals in Targeted Ways

Polhemus is dedicated to enhancing its products to meet and exceed market standards and customer expectations. A cornerstone of this approach is establishing strong relationships with users and ensuring that Polhemus remains engaged throughout the development and product maturity phases.

The Polhemus engineering team engages with clients and provides application-based, value-added services, enabling them to quickly realize market needs.

Polhemus is excited to support emerging markets with its high-fidelity motion tracking hardware. Plans are underway to further miniaturize the embeddable sensors so that they can fit into even smaller simulation devices. The goal is to continue providing customers with the tools they need to break new ground.

“The key is to refine and make additions to our product offerings while maintaining the high-performance attributes that Polhemus is known for,” says Rodgers.

Innovation is in their DNA, and Polhemus always goes the extra mile to turn a challenge into an opportunity. The coming years will witness Polhemus reaching new heights with an unwavering focus on R&D.