Product innovation
Versaclimber power for US submarine
In a conventional setting, the Versaclimber exercise machine simulates the motions of climbing and provides a total body workout.
It also offers targeted workouts where users can simply use the pedals for exercising the lower-body or just the handles for the upper body.
However, a modified version of the machine can now be found in a decidedly unconventional setting after students from Sussex County Technology School in New Jersey used it to power a submarine.
The craft was built as part of the 9th International Submarine Races in Maryland and the group of 20 engineering students used their arms and legs to propel the boat through the water. In doing so they won first prize in the Innovation category and third place overall for Performance.
By placing a team member underwater in scuba gear they were able to navigate, steer and operate the controls of the submarine - dubbed U-3.2 - during the race.
Neil Kelford, managing director of Versaclimber UK, commented: "I was amazed to see the work that had gone into making the submarine. It really is a work of genius to use the Versaclimber in that way and come up with such a simple but powerful idea."
The New Jersey team achieved a top speed of 1.694 knots during the 100m race and were commended by the judges for being the first team ever to harness the power of the upper and lower body in a human powered submarine.