FASTRAK (Polhemus)

The Polhemus FASTRAK® is one of the most widely adopted electromagnetic tracking systems in scientific research, neuroscience, biomechanics, simulation, and motion analysis. For more than three decades, FASTRAK has been regarded as the industry benchmark for accurate real-time tracking and 3D digitization, providing reliable six degrees-of-freedom (6DOF) measurements of position and orientation.

Using proprietary AC electromagnetic tracking technology, FASTRAK continuously measures the position (X, Y, Z) and orientation (azimuth, elevation, and roll) of sensors located within the generated electromagnetic field. Unlike optical tracking systems, FASTRAK does not require cameras or direct line-of-sight between transmitter and sensor, allowing accurate measurements even when sensors are obscured from view.

The standard system consists of a System Electronics Unit (SEU), transmitter (source), receiver sensor, power supply, USB interface, and software tools. The platform can be expanded to support up to four sensors simultaneously, enabling multi-point tracking applications without sacrificing measurement reliability.

For neuroscience applications, FASTRAK has become the established standard for EEG, fNIRS, and MEG sensor localization. Combined with software such as EMSE Locator, researchers can digitize electrode positions, fiducial landmarks, and head shape contours to enable accurate co-registration with MRI datasets and improve source localization accuracy.

When equipped with the optional ST8 digitizing stylus, FASTRAK transforms into a highly accurate free-form 3D digitizer. This configuration enables rapid collection of anatomical landmarks, scalp coordinates, object geometries, and other spatial reference points with a simple button press.

The system delivers update rates of up to 120 Hz with latency as low as 4 milliseconds, providing near real-time tracking performance suitable for demanding research and simulation environments.

Features

• High-accuracy electromagnetic 6DOF motion tracking
• Simultaneous measurement of position and orientation
• Real-time tracking with up to 120 Hz update rate
• Ultra-low latency of approximately 4 ms
• No line-of-sight requirements
• Supports up to four sensors simultaneously
• Simple setup with no user calibration required
• Expandable tracking range through larger transmitter options
• Widely used for EEG, fNIRS and MEG co-registration
• Ideal for neuroscience, biomechanics, simulation and research applications
• Real-time acquisition of fiducials, electrode locations and head shape points
• Proven platform with decades of use in academic and industrial research

Technical Specifications

Tracking Performance

• Technology: AC Electromagnetic Tracking
• Degrees of Freedom: 6DOF (Position + Orientation)
• Position Output: X, Y, Z Coordinates
• Orientation Output: Euler Angles, Direction Cosines, or Quaternions
• Update Rate: Up to 120 Hz
• Latency: Approximately 4 ms
• Maximum Sensors: Up to 4 per system
• Calibration: No user calibration required

Tracking Range

• Standard Operating Range: Approximately 76 cm (30 in) from transmitter
• Extended Operating Range: Up to approximately 3 m (10 ft) with larger source options

Connectivity

• USB Interface
• Windows Drivers Included
• Software Tools GUI Included

Environmental

• Operating Temperature: 10°C to 40°C
• Relative Humidity: 10–95% non-condensing

Power

• Power Consumption: 15 W
• Input Voltage: 100–240 VAC
• Frequency: 47–63 Hz

FASTRAK® System Bundles

FASTRAK® Standard System Package includes:

• FASTRAK® SEU (Systems Electronics Unit)
• USB connection cable
• 1x Transmitter
• 1x Receiver
• Power Supply and Cord
• User Manual

FASTRAK® EEG/fNIRS/MEG Package includes:

• FASTRAK® SEU (Systems Electronics Unit)
• USB connection cable
• 1x EMSE Locator 2.0 Software License
• 1x Transmitter
• 1x ST8 Stylus (8 inches)
• 3x Standard RX2 Receivers
• 1x Headband
• 1x Mini Tripod
• Power Supply and Cord
• User Manual

FASTRAK® SHIMADZU NIRS (LABNIRS/LIGHTNIRS) + EEG Package includes:

• FASTRAK® SEU (Systems Electronics Unit)
• USB connection cable
• 1x SHIMADZU Co-Registration Software License
• 1x Transmitter
• 1x ST8 Stylus (8 inches)
• 1x Mini Tripod
• Power Supply and Cord
• User Manual

Application Note

FASTRAK is particularly suited for EEG, fNIRS, and MEG localization workflows where precise spatial information is required. For EEG electrode co-registration, the transmitter is positioned near the participant while the stylus is used to digitize fiducial landmarks, electrode positions, and optional head shape points. The collected coordinates can then be imported into source localization and neuroimaging software for accurate MRI co-registration and individualized head modelling.

Beyond neuroscience, FASTRAK is extensively used for biomechanics research, eye tracking integration, simulation and training systems, virtual reality studies, human movement analysis, robotics, and general-purpose 3D digitization applications. Because the technology does not rely on optical tracking, measurements remain reliable even when sensors are partially obstructed or outside camera visibility.