Inventors Unveil “Cruise Control” System For Runners

The novel device is currently the size of a large backpack.

A pair of scientists at Simon Fraser University in Canada say they have invented a device for runners that is normally associated with cars: cruise control. According to an article in The Vancouver Sun, the device uses sound to measure the speed of paces.

The university has applied for a patent for the system.

Co-inventor Mark Snaterse says the device “works much like cruise control in a car, where sound takes the throttle’s role.” Fellow researcher Max Donelan adds that,”you can set the preferred speed for your run–say, 10 kilometres in 50 minutes–before you head out.”

Currently, the device is the size of a large backpack, but the inventors think they can shrink it down to the equivalent of an iPod.

“During the run you just need to synchronize your steps with the sound, almost like you’re dancing,” says Donelan. “The tempo of the sound is automatically adjusted so that you reach your running goal.”

For More: The Vancouver Sun