Samsung's IOFIT Smart Trainer To Debut At MWC 2016
The latest smart phones may be the focus of attention at Mobile World Congress 2016, but some interesting tech gadgets such as the IOFIT smart shoe worths your attention. Technically considered a wearable device, this smart shoe has been developed by Salted Venture, a startup supported by Samsung Electronics. It is a wearable device that utilizes a combination of pressure sensors and a coaching app to improve a user's balance and body posture to enhance one's fitness routine or golf swing.
Data analysis technology like accelerometers and pressure sensors were incorporated into the outsoles of shoes. Together, they are able to measure users' balance, weight shift, ground contact force and location of COG (Center of Gravity) - specific factors essential to enable a more efficient and injury-free fitness and golf experience. This data, updated in real-time, is displayed on a pressure map on the screen of the IOFIT smartphone app, which pairs to the shoes.
Instead of simply offering users a compilation of data, the Salted Venture team developed a system that allows for an enhanced person-to-person connection.
What makes this possible is the video playback feature of the IOFIT application, which allows a user to evaluate their form and the respective real-time data all on one screen. Utilizing this core feature, a user can better visualize how they look, and how their stance and posture are affecting their fitness routine or their golf swing.
Another core feature of the application is the customizable coaching and analysis software which can be used to leave feedback or compare saved videos. With this tool, a coach can draw directly on the video or leave voice-over comments to offer precise, straightforward feedback. Furthermore, two videos can be compared side-by-side or stacked to give a clearer picture of what the data should or should not look like, allowing trainers to easily coach no matter their location in the world.
The startup is seeking business opportunities with footwear companies, and has already garnered attention from some of the world?s biggest brands. The group hopes to reach out to other shoe brands that share their vision during Mobile World Congress later this month in Barcelona, where they will be participating as an exhibitor.