PATRIOT (Polhemus)

The Polhemus PATRIOT® is a reliable and economical electromagnetic motion tracking system that delivers real-time six degrees-of-freedom (6DOF) tracking of position and orientation. Designed for applications requiring one or two tracking points, PATRIOT combines proven Polhemus electromagnetic tracking technology with a compact hardware footprint and straightforward system integration.

Using proprietary AC electromagnetic technology, PATRIOT continuously measures the position (X, Y, Z) and orientation (azimuth, elevation, and roll) of tracked sensors within the generated electromagnetic field. Unlike camera-based motion capture systems, PATRIOT operates without requiring direct line-of-sight between the transmitter and sensors, allowing tracking through clothing, gloves, plastics, and other non-metallic materials. This makes the system particularly attractive for embedded tracking applications and training simulators.

The system supports up to two simultaneous sensors, providing flexible tracking of hands, tools, instruments, head-mounted displays, or other moving objects. Each sensor updates at 60 Hz, delivering smooth motion tracking and responsive real-time feedback for research, simulation, and interactive environments.

PATRIOT has become a trusted solution for simulation and training applications worldwide, including welding simulators, ultrasound training systems, spray-painting trainers, and human-machine interaction studies. Its compact sensors can be integrated directly into equipment and training devices, enabling realistic motion capture without the complexity of optical systems.

In neuroscience and biomechanics applications, PATRIOT can be used for position digitization, head tracking, movement analysis, and sensor localization. The optional stylus and reference sensor configuration enables accurate acquisition of anatomical landmarks and electrode coordinates for EEG and related neuroimaging workflows.

With simple installation, USB or RS-232 connectivity, and low operating costs, PATRIOT provides an accessible entry point into professional-grade electromagnetic motion tracking while maintaining the durability and reliability associated with Polhemus systems.

Features

• Cost-effective electromagnetic 6DOF motion tracking
• Real-time measurement of position and orientation
• Supports one or two simultaneous sensors
• 60 Hz update rate per sensor
• Compact and lightweight system design
• Sensors can be embedded within devices and simulators
• USB 2.0 and RS-232 communication interfaces
• Low-latency motion tracking for interactive applications
• Suitable for simulation, VR/AR, robotics, biomechanics, and neuroscience
• Simple installation with minimal setup requirements
• Reliable tracking performance in challenging environments

Technical Specifications

Tracking Performance

• Technology: AC Electromagnetic Tracking
• Degrees of Freedom: 6DOF (X, Y, Z Position + Orientation)
• Position Output: X, Y, Z Coordinates
• Orientation Output: Azimuth, Elevation, Roll
• Update Rate: 60 Hz per sensor
• Latency: Less than 18.5 msMaximum Sensors: Up to 2 sensorsStatic Position Accuracy: 0.06 in RMS (1.52 mm)
• Static Orientation Accuracy: 0.40° RMS
• Calibration: No user calibration required

Tracking Range

• Standard Operating Range: Approximately 76 cm (30 in) from transmitter
• Maximum Measurement Range: Up to 152 cm (60 in), depending on configuration and environment

Connectivity

• USB 2.0 Interface
• RS-232 Serial Interface
• Windows GUI Software Included
• Linux GUI Support Available

Environmental

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

Power

• Input Voltage: 100–240 VAC
• Frequency: 50–60 Hz

PATRIOT System Bundles

PATRIOT Standard System Package includes:

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

PATRIOT EEG/fNIRS/MEG Package includes:

• PATRIOT SEU (Systems Electronics Unit)
• USB connection cable
• 1x Transmitter
• 1x Receiver
• 1x ST8 Stylus (8 inches)
• 1x EMSE Locator 2.0 Software License
• 1x Headband
• 1x Mini Tripod
• Power Supply and Cord
• User Manual

Application Note

PATRIOT is particularly suited for applications requiring accurate tracking of one or two objects in real time. In simulation and training environments, sensors can be embedded within tools, controllers, medical instruments, or head-mounted displays to provide realistic motion feedback without requiring cameras or optical markers.

For neuroscience and biomechanics applications, PATRIOT can be used for head tracking, movement analysis, and digitization of anatomical landmarks. When configured with a stylus and reference sensor, the system can be used to acquire EEG electrode locations, fiducial landmarks, and head shape coordinates for co-registration and spatial analysis workflows.

Additional applications include virtual reality, augmented reality, robotics, ergonomic studies, rehabilitation research, human-computer interaction, sports motion analysis, and OEM product integration where reliable electromagnetic tracking is required in compact environments.