Out of control brain - balance out of control

Maintaining balance is a complex task for the body. The brain needs to receive and integrate information from various organs such as vision, vestibule, and proprioception to coordinate body movements and ensure that we do not fall. When the background board moves, the eyes perceive the movement, but the body does not feel the corresponding movement. This kind of sensory conflict can cause confusion in the brain, leading to unstable physical standing.

The unit is designed for unsupervised public use: controls are recessed or shielded, moving parts are enclosed, and the interface is operable by a child of about six with no instruction. Where a screen is used, the language can be switched without changing the hardware, and the content can be replaced on site.

The eyes can perceive changes in the surrounding environment and provide information to the brain about the spatial relationship between the body and the outside world. When the space tilts, the visual scenery tilts and sends signals to the brain. The sensory hair cells in the inner ear stimulate the vestibular system, and these neural signals are transmitted to the brain stem and cerebellum through the vestibular nerve. Those regions are responsible for processing information related to balance and eye movement. After integrating information from the vestibular system with visual and proprioceptive information, the brain issues instructions to regulate muscle activity in order to maintain balance.