Aerotrim

An aerotrim (also known as Multi-Axis Trainer or MAT) is a 3-axis gimbal large enough to contain a human being, used for cardiovascular workout and equilibrioception (balance) training in pilots and astronauts.

[3] The aerotrim, as it is known today, was originally conceived of in the early eighties by Helmut Suchy, an Austrian inventor, as a therapy for his ailing spine.

To make the device safer, he added handles, overhead hand protectors made of Plexiglas, and the height-adjustable foot mechanism that allowed even children (of a minimum height) to use the machine.

[5] In addition, according to Randy Huntington, a personal athletic coach, "One major advantage that the 'superstar' possesses is a highly evolved spatial consciousness and kinesthetic response mechanism.

Douglas Raymond, a physical therapist stated 'There is no question that the aerotrim improves balance, coordination and spatial awareness in neurological disorders.

On American television, it had been presented as a prop in several commercials, followed by sci-fi themed shows and movies, including Fortress, Gattaca, The Lawnmower Man (where it is called cyclosphere; however, it has been argued by purists that the machine featured here was only influenced by the Aerotrim) and more recently aboard Star Trek: Enterprise.

Its size and retail price made it unreasonable for most private owners and it was mainly sold to large gyms, hospitals and freestyle-ski resorts, often several at once.

An entire fleet was acquired by Lufthansa, another by the Korean Air Force and several were used by the German Space Agency for astronaut training.

[19] In a final move to save the aerotrim, Contactos passed on rights to an Irish company named Lifeway Ltd,[20] but, due to cost complications, they were forced to cease production.

About ten years after its birth, the last true aerotrim was produced in late 1990, and the patent rights were lost due to lack of interest in keeping them alive.