Design and Development of Rowing Simulator Model

The activity of propelling a racing shell in water involves interaction of physical strength and endurance, skills of the rower, and the design of the rowing system. The synchronized movement of the system with the rower is required to achieve success in competitive rowing; thus, rigorous training becomes essential. There are several equipment available for dry-land rowing, and the most popular is ergometer. Although ergometers are extensively used for physiological testing of rowers, yet little evidence is there to support that ergometer rowing replicates experience similar to on-water rowing. Therefore, the need of training equipment which combats the drawbacks of ergometer is essential. In this study, an attempt was made to develop a dry-land rowing simulator model similar to on-water single scull rowing using human-centered design approach. Several design iterations were proposed after conducting user study and identifying user requirements. One out of five concepts was finalized on the basis of various parameters. The proposed design solution was an interactive rowing simulator model which would give experience similar to the water single scull boat rowing.