Izmir University of Economics (IUE), who is training the future Aerospace Engineers, qualified for a gold award for developing exercise harness for astronauts at the international design competition. Mehmet Ergül, graduate, IUE Faculty of Fine Arts and Design, Department of Industrial Design, designed an exercise harness as a graduation project and became “Gold Winner” at 2017 A' Design Award and Competition held in Italy where 10 thousand projects from 80 countries worldwide applied. Ergül will be receiving his award on June 6 in Milan. Ekrem Demirtaş, President of IUE Board of Trustees, also viewed the design.
Ergül designed an exercise harness called, “Orpheus” as a result of consultations with NASA Johnson Space Center and the guidance of astronaut coaches. Ergül gave information about his project and he said, “This wearable harness allows human body to exercise in the microgravity environment. I had more appropriate and technically efficient concept during the design process since I was in close communication with researchers and scientists from NASA. I have taken the future space missions into consideration and designed an exercise harness. Being awarded just motivated me for further studies”.
‘Perfect ergonomy’
There is no concept of direction in microgravity environment, and therefore the exercise device should also adapt itself to the body, reported Ergül. He said, “Electric motors in the exoskeleton create consistency and harmony. This way the exercise is completed. The product’s design as an exoskeleton fits the body perfectly and satisfies the ergonomic needs”.
