FAQ

> 01. What are some of ddrobotec’s unique characteristics?

ddrobotec® uses artificial muscles as a resistance mechanism. This biologically inspired approach is complemented by a unique, fully digital training and diagnostics concept. Through regular over-the-air updates, workouts mapped into the software can be continuously expanded and adapted to the latest state of knowledge. Training takes place in a 2D virtual reality and is continuously personalized by the AI engine.

> 02. Why does ddrobotec® speak of a system, rather than a machine? 

ddrobotec® hardware (the machine) is embedded into a dynamic software eco-system. Its main components are a gamified user interface, data aggregation and analytics services, configurable data dashboards and the ddrobotec® app. All tests, workouts and exergames are regularly reviewed and updated by adding new features and greatly enhancing existing ones.

> 03. What software components is the software ecosystem composed of?

The ddrobotec® app is used for quick logins and to track one’s activities and rank.

All workouts, tests and exergames are recorded and translated into a stream of real-time data which are serialized, encrypted, uploaded, aggregated and stored in the DD Cloud™.

Each robotic personal trainer collects thousands of training data points per second. The DD Brain™ is a set of algorithms for smart data analytics whose sole purpose is to process data and identify meaningful patterns.

Easy-to-interpret data dashboards are used to monitor key performance indicators of your robotic personal trainer.

Users have real-time access to their usage statistics anytime and from anywhere with the user portal. The user portal helps you transform all collected data into actionable information and generate hyper personalized workout plans.


> 04. What body parts are exercised by ddrobotec®? 

ddrobotec® measures, analyzes, exercises and optimizes the interplay between the receptors, the central nervous system, the peripheral nervous system and the leg muscles. It improves your ability to move and to interact with your environment.

> 05. Does ddrobotec® sell systems that exercise the upper body? 

At the moment ddrobotec® does not sell any devices that exercise the upper body. Never say never.

> 06. Can users work out on robotic personal trainers without a supervisor? 

ddrobotec® pays special attention to usability. All robotic personal trainers are therefore super easy to use. A supervisor does not have to be present at all times – saving time and lowering costs.

> 07. What is the difference between robotic personal trainers and an ordinary leg press?

It's like the difference between Captain Kirk's Starship and Fred Flinstone's car. Both can be used to move from point A to point B, but one can move at the speed of light, the other very obviously cannot. The ddrobotec® System ELITE and the ddrobotec® System Pro combine (bilateral) functional testing, neuro-athletic training, intelligent data analytics and cloud-based data exchange – all in one. That's a very unique and unchallenged feature.

> 08. What is the difference between the robotic personal trainer and an isokinetic dynamometer?  

Isokinetic dynamometers are devices that control the velocity to evaluate joint torque. ddrobotec® systems control forces to evaluate precision, speed, power and endurance. Also, have you ever used a dynamometer to simply workout or to exergame?

> 09. To which other fitness machines can ddrobotec® be compared? 

ddrobotec® systems cannot be compared to any other fitness and/or wellness machines. Through an ingenious combination of biologically inspired hardware and state-of-the-art digital technology, robotic personal trainers embody a new generation of neuromuscular training and performance diagnostic systems (see FAQ 1). 

> 10. What neuromotor abilities does ddrobotec® improve?

ddrobotec® exercises and improves five neuromotor abilities:

  • Coordination: the ability to perform movements with efficiency, accuracy and grace.
  • Strength: the ability to exert force.
  • Speed: the ability to execute movements quickly.
  • Power: the ability to produce force quickly.
  • Endurance: the ability to perform work of a given intensity over a time period.

> 11. What neurocognitive abilities does ddrobotec® improve?

ddrobotec® exercises and improves five neurocognitive abilities and executive functions:

  • Cognitive Speed: the ability to process information rapidly.
  • Task Switching: the ability to shift attention between one task and another.
  • Working Memory: the ability to hold information temporarily.
  • Concentration: the ability to focus the mind on one subject, object or thought.
  • Brain Endurance: the ability to handle greater mental fatigue for longer.

> 12. Can the footplates be locked in place?  

The rotor footplates are free to move, allowing plantar flexion and extension around the ankle joint, thus strengthening the lower leg muscles by mimicking instability resistance training. Locking the footplates in place would change movement patterns and adaptivity to instabilities and perturbations cannot be exercised to the same extent.

> 13. Is it possible to modify the footplates to supinate or pronate?

Everything is possible. However, to increase safety and reduce costs of the system, ddrobotec® engineers opted for a solution that allows only dorsiflexion and plantarflexion.

> 14. What kind of data are stored on the system? 

All training data are stored in the DD Cloud™:  This means cognitive data, physiological data, sensorimotor data as well as physical data are recorded. The performance metrics can be viewed here.

> 15. How are the training data stored by ddrobotec® further used? 

The data are serialized, encrypted, uploaded and stored in the DD Cloud™.  All data-related operations are GDPR and ISO 27001 compliant.  
All data generated by ddrobotec® clients are fed – fully anonymized – to the DD Brain™: a collection of algorithms for smart data analytics whose sole purpose is to process data and identify meaningful patterns. These patterns are then used to generate easy-to-interpret reports and optimize workout plans. The individual and respective training facility thus benefit from all users of ddrobotec®. 

> 16. Where are ddrobotec® servers located and how are they secured? 

The servers supporting the DD Cloud™ are located in Germany, while the server hosting the software updates is located in Switzerland. It may be necessary to authorize the IP addresses of the respective services for software updates or DNS services in your firewall.  

> 17. Is the robotic personal trainer used in rehabilitation, prevention or elite sports? 

The short answer is: in all of those areas of application ddrobotec® aims to be attractive to a broad user base.

Our systems simplify and optimize resistance training. The range of applications covers the training of top athletes, prevention, corporate fitness, musculoskeletal rehabilitation and strength therapy of neurological chronic ailments (e.g., stroke, MS, ataxia and Alzheimer's disease). 

> 18. Why is ddrobotec® choosing not to certify its systems as medical devices? 

ddrobotec® chooses not to certify System ELITE and System Pro because Dynamic Devices AG provides exercise equipment, not medical devices.  

> 19. For what kind of application is the System ELITE intended and when do I need the System Pro? 

The System Pro is more suitable for sites which have little space at their disposal. Furthermore, The System Pro is better suited for children.

The System ELITE is ideal for athletes and stronger humans. In addition, a wheelchair ramp can be installed to the System ELITE, which makes the system accessible for people with limited mobility. 

Below the three most obvious differences (apart from the price): 
 
Resistance up to:
Pro: 1'350 N/leg (2'700 N with both legs)
ELITE: 2’700 N/leg (5'400 N with both legs)

Hardware specs (without air/monitor tower) (L x W x H in mm) / Weight:
Pro: 1960 x 670 x 1500 / 190 kg
ELITE: 2200 x 960 x 1600 / 390 kg 

User Height / User Body Mass:
Pro: 110*/120 to 200 cm / Up to 160 kg (* needs a special padding)
ELITE: 145 to 210 cm / Up to 250 kg


> 20. Approximately how long does it take to install the robotic personal trainer? 

It takes ddrobotec® experts between 2 and 4 hours to install the robotic personal trainer at your training facility. 

> 21. At what intervals does the robotic personal trainer need maintenance?

ddrobotec® experts perform annual maintenance at your training facility. A time expenditure of 3 to 4 hours is to be expected. 

> 22. After the robotic personal trainer has been installed, do I require additional support? 

Apart from the annual maintenance of the hardware, no additional support is required. ddrobotec® performs regular software updates (see FAQ 26). If you have any questions and/or suggestions regarding software changes, please feel free to contact us.

> 23. Do I need to keep a stock of essential parts for the maintenance of the robotic personal trainers? 

No, there is no need for stock. All parts are provided by ddrobotec®

> 24. How many years of warranty does ddrobotec® grant on its hardware? 

Frame 
8 years 

Sensors, pneumatic components and electric motors  
18 months 

Embedded PC, display, new unit of computing and other electronic components 
18 months 

Grips and footplate grip tape (wear material)  
6 months 

Padding (wear material)  
6 months 

> 25. How many software updates are available per year?

The number of updates varies depending on the type and scope of the changes which need to be implemented for optimal customer experience.  Updates can be downloaded and installed before starting the system software and their installation usually takes no more than 1 to 2 minutes.

> 26. What languages does the ddrobotec® software support? 

ddrobotec® software supports German, English and Japanese.

> 27. Do the robotic personal trainers require electric power and an Internet connection?

All robotic personal trainers are equipped with two separate “fused” electrical circuits. One powers the training system, the other powers the compressor. A stable electric power line is therefore a must. However, ddrobotec® can be used offline. Yet, to access all data services and thus make the most out of a workout session a connection to the Internet is highly recommended.

> 28. How much time does it take to learn to use the robotic personal trainer? 

Typically between 2 and 5 hours. The familiarization time can be compared to regular fitness devices. ddrobotec® provides schooling.  

> 29. Is the robotic personal trainer portable? 

The robotic personal trainer is not portable per se. However, it can be transported and moved, provided that a ddrobotec® expert is on site.

> 30. How can I become a ddrobotec® partner and showcase the robotic personal trainer in one of my showrooms? 

In order to become a partner, get in touch with one of our Key Account Managers.