Projects are completed on a needs-basis and typically initiated by the sport or support staff involved. A multi-disciplinary approach is taken, often including other members of the Movement Science team (biomechanics, skill acquisition, performance analysis). Capabilities include:

• equipment adaptations and customisations for athletes (particularly in the Para space);
• 3D scanning, modelling, and printing of prototype parts in-house;
• training tool development including various methods of feedback (audio, visual, kinaesthetic);
• instrumentation and data acquisition;
• basic app development;
• quality assurance of laboratory testing equipment.

Some example projects include:

• systems that provide immediate feedback on swimming starts, turns, and relay changeovers;
• rifle shooting components to suit individual needs and preferences;
• measurement of ‘roll’ in sprint kayaking;
• calibration of cycling and kayak ergometers using a dedicated calibration rig.

Within the network, SASI regularly collaborates with a strong engineering team at the AIS as well as seating and innovation experts at Paralympics Australia with a focus on para-sport equipment to optimise athlete performance. We also seek to engage with universities on student engineering projects (Honours to PhD level) to continue building our local capacity, particularly to support facilities such as the Australian Centre for Sports Aerodynamics (NCSA) Wind Tunnel at Mile End.