Notch is a wearable sensor technology that tracks 3D body motion. It comes in a pack of six small triangular waterproof sensors, weighing less than 10g each. They can be attached to and worn using thin elastic straps, on key areas such as elbows, knees, ankles and torso. Its small and comfortable design allows it to be used anywhere, without hindering movement during activities or being visually obtrusive. Unlike traditional trackers that can only be worn on the wrist, Notch is able to capture much more precise body movements and is suitable for sports or activities involving full body movement.

  

You can try out the configured 3D visualizations here!

WHAT’S INSIDE THE NOTCH PIONEER KIT?

6 MOTION CAPTURE SENSORS
1 DOCK FOR CHARGING & USB TRANSFER
2 ADJUSTABLE SMALL SIZE STRAP
2 ADJUSTABLE MEDIUM SIZE STRAP
2 ADJUSTABLE LARGE SIZE STRAP
2 ADJUSTABLE CHEST STRAP
1 CLIP MOUNT

The sensors can be calibrated through the Notch smartphone application, and users can pick a configured movement or create their own. Fit with an accelerometer, gyroscopes and compasses within each device, users can also collect data and replay movements through the app, to check for correct postures and monitor their progress. Sensors can be controlled by tapping to toggle between recording and pausing, to allow movement capture to be continuous or only on specific postures. Users are not restricted to the number of sensors that they can wear, depending on the range of movement tracked.

Notch is not only an input device but also an output device; a haptic feedback function is included, where a vibrator motor is triggered when a good or bad move is made, acting almost like a ‘personal trainer’. This device is aimed at profession athletes, coaches as well as therapists, making it easier to identify problematic physical habits and to correct techniques. Its waterproof features also benefits synchronized and competitive swimmers.

While it is currently being used mostly by professionals and developers, the Notch kit can be purchased by anyone who wants to try it out, at 379 USD per kit.

Not only is it for sports players but can also greatly benefit healthcare sectors. This device can help injured or disabled patients in physiotherapy, to monitor their movements and track their healing progress. Professionals in various other fields have also expressed interest in the technology: martial arts, climbers and even animators. As they plan on releasing an API for third party users to build additional uses for Notch, the potential uses are endless:

Sports – Sensors act as their personal guide in preventing unnecessary injuries and correcting techniques based on their motion data.

Healthcare – To enhance recovery during physiotherapy.

Entertainment – For dancers and models to perfect their moves, aid 3D animators in creating characters.

VR Gaming – Replace VR controllers to provide a more natural and physically immersive gaming experience

References:
https://techcrunch.com/2013/11/24/notch/
https://www.wareable.com/wearable-tech/notch-wearable-sensor-motion-capture-2920
https://itechcraft.com/notch-movement-tracking-platform/
https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2017/01/notch-is-a-3d-motion-tracking-system-youll-actually-want-to-use/