Motion trackers have been constantly researched over the past few years. Many technologies and patents were created in this period but for different reasons, these technologies rarely made it to consumer level with a decent price. HoloSuit is different. With funds raised through Kickstarter, the suit comes with either 26 or 36 embedded sensors distributed across the body. In theory, it is the ultimate motion tracker with limitless application in the real world due to its haptic feedback. But its early technologies and lack of clear identity can make some users doubt its real value.

The case for motion trackers

Motion trackers have been seen as science fiction just 10 years ago. Since then, we have seen products such as fitness trackers being widely available to the masses, even if not with the best accuracy or with the best affordability. Motion trackers have also been used in different industries such as gaming or movie-making. Today, sports players can benefit from different types of trackers when it comes to assessing their performance in clear data. But until now, none of these devices were really at the affordability and versatility of the HoloSuit.

HoloSuit applicability

There are a few areas which can see direct applicability using the HoloSuit. The Wi-Fi connectivity and the highly detailed motion tracking of the suit make it a clear option in emergency situations such as firefighting. Wearing the suit, you can remotely control a robot which can enter a hazardous situation such as a burning building which can potentially save lives.

The suit can also be used to track certain physical parameters. Golf is one of the sports which get credited with benefits by the manufacturer. But tracking golf progress is not new. Certain technologies and apps such as Shot Tracer are popular in this sport. However, the suit is different in the sense that it can track the biomechanics of the player and offer haptic feedback at the same time. By tracking and recording the movements, the player can see where you golf skills can be improved.

Fitness training is another interesting area in which the suit can have good applicability. You can now train remotely with your personal trainer through online chat as all your movements and posture can be specifically tracked. With 9 haptic exciters, the suit can also be used in karate or yoga. These activities are significantly impacted by posture and the suit can help improve it. Slightly away from this category, the suit can also be used with physical rehab. Recreating the motions of patients, physicians can better understand what needs to be worked on further.
Of course, the suit has a large application in virtual reality. You can play different games in a new dimension with full-body control. You can even virtually play piano as there are multiple sensors in the gloves of the suit as well.

The tech

The suit uses data transfer via wireless technologies. They include Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. HoloSuit supports Augmented, Virtual and Mixed Reality. Furthermore, all recorded data of the movements can be stored in the Cloud for tracking purposes. This data can be then analyzed by zooming, tilting or 360 viewing. With the help of the head extension, the suit also delivers a complete motion tracking experience.

The limitations

As with any technology which promises unlimited use, HoloSuit has clear limitations. While it is hard to debate its role in emergency situations such as nuclear disasters where humans have limited access for rescue situations, the suit has some limitations in other areas.

Fitness is one of the areas where the suit will struggle to get the mass appeal it hopes for if not properly used. On one hand, it tracks motion, but on the other hand, it lacks the flexibility and breathability which would allow you to train in a normal way. The simple increase of body heat can lead to a higher pulse which will not be representative of your normal fitness parameters.

At the same time, it might make people rely on data, as is the case with other fitness technologies, rather than on their own intuition. An example of how this can backfire against fitness enthusiasts is when they train with a personal trainer and still get injured. Furthermore, the health impact of the wireless world we live in is still being studied, adding this type of technology on a constant basis can come with unknown health effects on the long-term. This being said, it can prove to be a good tool to use from time to time when you want to track your motions in detail.
The HoloSuit is a promising solution. But it still has a long way to go until it truly specializes in a simple niche. This is where its future can be. Instead of promising to revolutionize all walks of life, it needs to do one thing very well if it wants to avoid the abyss of forgotten technologies. This being said, the HoloSuit can come with multiple benefits for you.

It is why you need to try it out yourself and see how it can improve your own physical parameters. Since it comes with wireless data transfer, you will be able to see the tracked results on your smartphone. These results include the correct biomechanics of your physical movements in different sports such as golf or yoga. Its dedicated app also allows you to track your progress and see how and if these movements improve in time. If you are working with a coach or personal trainer, the data recorded by the HoloSuit can also be easily transferred to get a professional’s opinion.

It might be the case that the HoloSuit will be an extra tool for professionals who need haptic technologies such as those in extreme conditions (firefighters wirelessly controlling robots) or those seeking clear data on their movements. What can be said for sure, is that at this stage, the suit is promising, even if it is not at its best possible level. The HoloSuit is available to pre-order through a Kickstarter campaign. It is being sold in separate pieces (jacket, pant, and gloves) or as a full-body suit.