Biomechanics | Photron
High-Speed Imaging Applications

Biomechanics

Study human, animal, and bio-inspired motion in precise detail with high-speed imaging that reveals movement, loading, deformation, and interaction too fast for the unaided eye.

Understanding Motion, Function, and Structure

Biomechanics is the study of the mechanical form, movement, function, and structure of living organisms. High-speed cameras allow researchers to examine how tendons, ligaments, bones, muscles, joints, and external forces work together during rapid movement.

Applications extend beyond human movement and sports science to orthopedic implant development, biomaterials, animal locomotion, plant mechanics, biological cutting and puncture, and bio-inspired robotics.

Biomechanics Applications

Photron cameras support movement analysis across medicine, sports, biology, engineering, and robotics.

Human Movement

Analyze gait, posture, balance, joint motion, body mechanics, and rapid movements that are difficult to resolve with conventional video.

Sports Science

Evaluate technique, timing, force transfer, impact, equipment interaction, and task performance during athletic movement.

Orthopedics & Implants

Study joint replacements, implant performance, biomaterials, contact mechanics, and design behavior during dynamic loading.

Animal Locomotion

Capture jumping, flight, swimming, running, landing, feeding, and other movements across a wide range of animal species.

Biological Materials

Observe cutting, puncture, tearing, fracture, deformation, and resistance in tissues and biological structures.

Bio-Inspired Robotics

Evaluate rapid jumping, self-righting, landing, posture control, energy release, and movement inspired by biological systems.

Featured Research Examples

Examples of biomechanics and bio-inspired research highlighted by Photron.

Biological Mechanics

Anderson Evolutionary Biomechanics Lab

Research exploring the mechanics of cutting and puncture in nature, including teeth, claws, spines, and the resistance of biological tissues.

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Bio-Inspired Robotics

Jumping Robot with Posture Adjustment

A jumping robot uses spring energy storage, body-posture adjustment, and a self-righting mechanism to improve trajectory and repeated jumping.

Read the research paper →
Animal Locomotion

Frog Landing on Branches

Research examining how arboreal frogs manage landing kinematics on narrow and unpredictable substrates such as branches.

Read the research paper →

Selecting a Camera for Biomechanics

The right system depends on motion speed, field of view, required detail, lighting, synchronization, and whether the test needs one or multiple camera views.

Frame RateResolve fast impacts, takeoffs, landings, and fine movement transitions.
ResolutionPreserve detail for tracking markers, anatomical landmarks, or small structures.
SensitivityMaintain clear images with short exposure times and limited laboratory lighting.
SynchronizationCoordinate multiple cameras, force plates, triggers, lighting, and measurement systems.
Camera SizeUse compact or tethered heads for confined spaces, onboard tests, or unusual viewing angles.
Analysis WorkflowPlan for playback, tracking, calibration, export, and integration with motion-analysis tools.

Need help capturing a biomechanics event?

Share your required frame rate, field of view, lighting conditions, and measurement goals with Photron.

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