Charlotte Folinus

student | engineer | tinkerer

Weight Lifting Device

Rendering of W8X PRO module shown attached to base platform, with mobile app loaded.

The W8X Pro utilizes an electric motor to create variable resistance, removing the need for static and inefficient weight stacks and instead allowing for dynamic variance of resistance within each repetition. The device measures and collects velocity, force, and power metrics to quantify progress, ensuring each athlete gets the ideal workout. Furthermore, the device mounts to various surfaces, providing a workout utilizing all muscle groups without additional equipment.

 

Due to the proprietary nature of the work and the patent process, I cannot include many specifics about my projects. At W8X, I performed a variety of mechanical design research, both designing various internal components and creating test standards to match field use. After designing my parts in CAD, I manufactured them through a variety of methods.

 

As part of a small team of five mechanical engineers, I also worked closely with the three founders to help shape the brand image. I joined the team in Summer 2017 while the company participated in both the MIT Delta V and MassChallenge accelerators. In addition to receiving $25K in funding from the MIT Sandbox program, we received the $50K Gold Award from MassChallenge.

 

Many of my components were directly incorporated in our alpha prototype which was used for pitches and demonstrations across the United States for both professional coaches and potential investors. Click here to see our pitch at MIT's Delta V Demo Day.

As the company was in two accelerators (DeltaV and MassChallenge), I frequently pitched to potential investors and users. This included Delta V Demo Days in both Cambridge and New York City.

 

Here I am with Jody Fu, one of the cofounders, after a successful pitch/demo session for MassChallenge.

Demo/alpha prototype used for MIT’s Delta V pitches in Cambridge, New York, and San Francisco.

Testing a version of the product at a professional training facility. Of the course of several months, we worked with professional strength coaches in an iterative process to identify areas of improvement and make modifications.

Rope samples after Instron testing. Previous user testing revealed rope failure after sustained use. As a result, I created a testing setup to abrade ropes and then test their altered material properties (strength, elongation, etc).

CHARLOTTE FOLINUS

cfolinus@mit.edu