MARDER — multi-axes rotation device for experimental research. A new concept for investigations of the vestibular, oculomotor, and visual systems of humans in three-dimensional space

A hydraulically driven, digitally servo-controlled multi-axes rotary chair is described. This device generates motion profiles with the subjects head in the center of rotation mainly in order to adequately stimulate the semicircular canals which are sensitive sensors for angular accelerations. This newly developed apparatus allows for motion stimuli which are below the vestibular threshold up to accelerations of 12 rad/s 2 (688°/s 2) and is thus suitable for a variety of experiments in the field of vestibular, oculomotor, and intersensory research in 3-dimensional space.