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Addressing the Unique Challenges of University Research Labs

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Solving Research Lab Challenges with Motion Capture Technology

Introduction

As the person responsible for product quality and client support at The MotionMonitor xGen, I frequently hear concerns from prospective clients that fall into two distinct categories. On one side, there are large departments at major universities with extensive resources and PhD students actively involved in research and data collection. On the other, smaller departments face limited resources to support hardware, software, and data collection.

While the challenges of these two groups differ, our approach to solving one set of issues often benefits the other. The MotionMonitor xGen is designed to address these challenges, offering tailored solutions to both resource-constrained and resource-abundant departments.

Smaller Departments: Simplifying Complexity and Maximizing Efficiency

For smaller departments, managing the complexity of hardware configurations and software platforms can be overwhelming. The MotionMonitor xGen is engineered to simplify this process:

    1.  Optimal Configuration: We collaborate with clients to design the most effective setup, ensuring only necessary components are purchased – saving you from unnecessary expenses.
    2.  Comprehensive Testing: Every component undergoes rigorous application testing before leaving our facilities
    3.  On-Site Installation and Training: Our hands-on installation and training ensure clients can start collecting meaningful data on day one.
    4.  Effortless Upgrades: Adding or replacing hardware is as simple as selecting a device from a drop down menu.
    5.  Comprehensive Support: Maintenance and subscription covering up to 5 years include unlimited phone support. We are the first point of contact for all hardware and software troubleshooting which avoids “finger-pointing” between equipment vendors. 
    6.  Ongoing Training: Annual refresher courses ensure new students are properly trained, and returning students stay up to date with the latest features.

Large Departments: Enhancing Consistency and Reducing Administrative Burdens

For larger departments, the challenges often lie in managing student-generated code, resolving inconsistent data collection, and managing disparate components. The MotionMonitor xGen addresses these concerns with features designed to streamline operations and enhance reliability:

    1.  Unified Platform: A single platform manages all hardware components and simplifies the management of components.
    2.  Advanced Analytical Tools: From hypothesis testing to statistical analyses, our software provides robust, built-in analysis tools.  Pop-up diagnostics ensure fast, error-free processing without programming.
    3.  Seamless Data Export: Data can be exported at any stage of processing for further analysis in tools like SAS, MATLAB, or ANYBody.
    4.  Standardized Protocols: Icon-driven toolbars enable consistent data collection across multiple users, ensuring uniformity in experiments conducted by different students or teams.
    5.  Data Validation: Tools for identifying outliers and comparing data sets collected by different individuals provide an added layer of confidence in your research results.

Key Considerations for Your Lab

Whether your department is large or small, the level of engineering support required for your lab should be a critical factor in your purchase decision. To help guide this process, consider the following questions:

    • How will new students be trained on the equipment and software?
    • Is the platform flexible enough to support a variety of projects, collaborations, and new research directions?
    • Will the system grow with your research, seamlessly integrating peripherals like eye-tracking, EEG, video, EMG, and force hardware?
    • Who will troubleshoot hardware versus software issues? Is there a single vendor accountable for both?
    • What is the typical lead time for support? Do students have access to live technical support?
    • How often is the software updated? Will you benefit from new technologies and timely bug fixes?

By addressing these questions during your decision-making process, you can ensure that your investment meets both your immediate and future research needs.

If you have any additional questions or would like more information, please don’t hesitate to reach out via phone or email.

Ian

ihoelker@TheMotionMonitor.com

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