Digitalising The Smith Machine

Abstract: Health and fitness sector is becoming increasingly popular, and technology is being integrated into the fitness industry. This project proposed to digitalise the smith machine by creating a system to generate force through an electric motor to replace free weights. Because the exercise machine no longer needs to be loaded and unloaded with free weights, digitalisation of the smith machine will allow several users to utilise the same training machine. It will also be possible to track users' training information, such as weight lifted and the number of sets and reps performed during a workout. In this thesis, an Electrical speed controller (ESC) called VESC was used to control the BLDC motor. Experiments were conducted to find a method to control the torque. The result was producing a constant torque with a margin of error of 1-1.5 kilograms. Furthermore, two algorithms were developed where the resistance varies during the path of motion, which indicates that it is possible to develop the system to individualise resistance to improve training performance and rehabilitation. The conclusion that could be drawn is that this system can be used to replace free weights with an electric motor.