A German company called Walkolution has developed a new type of 3D-printed treadmill system that simulates walking barefoot in nature in everyday office life. The system, called TheraFloor, uses the possibilities of additive 3D printing technology to simulate different surfaces.
The system consists of two different surface variants: TheraFloor Standard and TrueTerrain. The standard version has a flatter surface with shock-absorbing grid structures of varying degrees of hardness. TrueTerrain, on the other hand, simulates the uneven nature of a hiking trail with varying heights and densities.
“We use the evolutionary characteristics of our ancestors and translate them into the modern office environment,” explains Kait Regan, Product Manager at Walkolution. The integration of so-called TheraZones and TheraDots – specially developed zones with different cushioning and small elevations for foot stimulation – is intended to promote natural foot movement.
Daniel Stalling, Head of Development for the TheraFloor project, emphasizes: “The varied surface provides different stimuli with every step. This promotes natural foot movements and activates various muscles and nerves in the feet.” According to Stalling, the system improves balance, coordination and proprioception – without users having to get their feet dirty.
The running surfaces are made from biocompatible materials using 3D printing. The grid structure enables different degrees of hardness without changing materials simply by using different densities. The modular design of individual slats simplifies repairs, as damaged parts can be replaced individually. The system works both barefoot and with shoes.
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