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Home » RUNVI – Digital Running Coach – SMART Insole for Athletic Performance

RUNVI – Digital Running Coach – SMART Insole for Athletic Performance

Runvi digital running coach needCode

In a nutshell

This case study sheds light on the remarkable endeavor led by a proficient team of Embedded Engineers in creating the groundbreaking SMART Shoe Insole. The project aimed to revolutionize athletic performance by harnessing advanced technology, including DSP algorithms and BLE, to craft a real-time running assistant. This study delves into the project’s timeline, team composition, technology, project requirements, as well as the challenges faced and goals achieved in creating an innovative SMART insole.

Project overview

Project Duration:

07.2018 – 12.2018

Team Setup:

2 x Embedded Engineers

Technology:

integration DSP algorithms , BLE, Felx PCB, DSP integration in FW, Implement LED Language

Project Scope

The project’s primary requirements were centered around creating the SMART Insole, a revolutionary technology designed to enhance athletic performance. The requirements encompassed:

  • Real-Time Running Assistant: Developing a real-time running assistant embedded within the insole to provide instant coaching feedback.
  • Multi-Pressure Sensors: Integrating multi-pressure sensors to capture nuanced data from the athlete’s foot.
  • DSP Results Reporting: Leveraging DSP algorithms to process sensor data and report insightful coaching results over BLE.

Approach

needCode’s Embedded Engineers adopted a structured approach to achieve the project’s goals, while also facing certain challenges:

  • BLE Integration and Performance Reporting: Ensuring consistent and reliable performance reporting via BLE for accurate insights was a key challenge. Developing a robust BLE communication protocol to convey real-time coaching results furthered the goal of seamless connectivity and immediate feedback.
  • Advanced Integration: Integrating cutting-edge technologies like DSP algorithms and multi-pressure sensors into the SMART Insole.
  • DSP Algorithm Implementation: Incorporating DSP algorithms within the firmware to enhance performance and deliver real-time insights.
  • LED Language Incorporation: Implementing LED patterns to visually convey coaching and feedback cues required innovative thinking and technical expertise.

Business Impact

The SMART Insole project led to significant business outcomes:

  • Enhanced Athletic Performance: Equipping athletes with real-time coaching and feedback to optimize their training and performance.
  • Technological Advancement: Establishing the SMART Insole as a pioneering technology in athletic training, attracting attention and demand.
  • Data-Driven Insights: Empowering athletes with data-driven insights to enhance their training regimen and reach their potential.
  • Competitive Edge: Utilizing advanced technology, including DSP and BLE, to create a competitive advantage.

Results and Achievements

The concerted efforts of needCode’s Embedded Engineers yielded remarkable results:

  • Successful SMART Insole Creation: Development of the innovative SMART Insole, integrating DSP algorithms and BLE connectivity.
  • Multi-Pressure Sensor Integration: Successful integration of multi-pressure sensors to capture nuanced data.
  • LED Language Implementation: Incorporation of LED patterns to visually convey coaching feedback and device status
  • Reliable BLE Communication: Establishment of reliable BLE communication for accurate and timely coaching insights and data collection.

Conclusion

The dedication of the Embedded Engineers in creating the SMART Insole has revolutionized athletic performance. By seamlessly integrating advanced technology, including DSP algorithms, BLE connectivity, and multi-pressure sensors, they have redefined the way athletes optimize their training. This case study highlights the potential of technology-driven innovation in delivering real-time insights and enhancing user experiences. The SMART Insole stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, technical expertise, and innovation in addressing athletic challenges, driving business growth, and reshaping the landscape of athletic performance enhancement.

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For example, Sentinel, a monitoring system used in pharmaceutical production by IMA Pharma, employs AI to evaluate sensor data along the production line. The AI detects and improves underperforming components, ensuring efficient machine operation and maintaining high standards in drug manufacturing.

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For instance, IoT sensors track movement and customer flow, and AI algorithms process this information to reveal insights into traffic patterns and product preferences. This ultimately leads to better customer understanding, stockout prevention, and enhanced sales analytics.

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For example, AIoT-powered drones can photograph crops at various growth stages, assess plant health, detect diseases, and recommend optimal harvesting strategies to maximize yield. Additionally, these drones can be employed for targeted crop treatments, irrigation monitoring and management, soil health analysis, and more.

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For example, an AIoT solution has been implemented in Barcelona to manage water and energy sustainably. The city has installed IoT sensors across its water supply system to gather water pressure, flow rate, and quality data. AI algorithms analyze this information to identify leaks and optimize water usage. Similarly, smart grids have been introduced to leverage AI to predict demand and distribute energy efficiently, minimizing waste and emissions. As a result, these initiatives have enabled the city to reduce water waste by 25%, increase renewable energy usage by 17%, and lower greenhouse gas emissions by 19%.

Healthcare

Integrating AI and IoT in healthcare enables hospitals to deliver remote patient care more efficiently while reducing the burden on facilities. Additionally, AI can be used in clinical trials to preprocess data collected from sensors across extensive target and control groups.

For example, intelligent wearable technologies enable doctors to monitor patients remotely. In real-time, sensors collect vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, and glucose levels. AI algorithms then analyze this data, assisting doctors in detecting issues early, developing personalized treatment plans, and enhancing patient outcomes.

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Maintenance (Post-Release Support)

When your product is successfully launched and available on the market we provide ongoing support and maintenance services to ensure your product remains competitive and reliable. This includes prompt resolution of any reported issues through bug fixes and updates.

We continuously enhance product features based on user feedback and market insights, optimizing performance and user experience.

Our team monitors product performance metrics to identify areas for improvement and proactively addresses potential issues. This phase aims to sustain product competitiveness, ensure customer satisfaction, and support long-term success in the market.

Commercialization (From MVP to Product

Our software team focuses on completing the full product feature range, enhancing the user interface and experience, and handling all corner cases. We prepare product software across the whole lifecycle by providing all necessary procedures, such as manufacturing support and firmware upgrade.

We also finalize the product's hardware design to ensure robustness, scalability and cost-effectiveness.

This includes rigorous testing procedures to validate product performance, reliability, and security. We manage all necessary certifications and regulatory compliance requirements to ensure the product meets industry standards and legal obligations.

By the end of this phase, your product is fully prepared for mass production and commercial deployment, with all documentation and certifications in place.

Prototyping (From POC to MVP)

Our development team focuses on implementing core product features and use cases to create a functional Minimum Viable Product (MVP). We advance to refining the hardware design, moving from initial concepts to detailed PCB design allowing us to assemble first prototypes. Updated documentation from the Design phase ensures alignment with current project status. A basic test framework is established to conduct preliminary validation tests.

This prepares the product for real-world demonstrations to stakeholders, customers, and potential investors.

This phase is critical for validating market readiness and functionality before proceeding to full-scale production.

Design (From Idea to POC)

We meticulously select the optimal technology stack and hardware components based on your smart product idea with detailed use cases and feature requirements (Market Requirements Document / Business Requirements Document). Our team conducts thorough assessments of costs, performance metrics, power consumption, and resource requirements.

Deliverables include a comprehensive Product Requirements Document (PRD), detailed Software Architecture plans, an Initial Test Plan outlining validation strategies, Regulatory Compliance Analysis to ensure adherence to relevant standards, and a Proof of Concept (POC) prototype implemented on breakout boards.

This phase aims to validate the technical feasibility of your concept and establish a solid foundation for further development.

If you lack a validated idea and MRD/BRD, consider utilizing our IoT Strategic Roadmap service to gain insights into target markets, user needs, and desired functionality. Having a structured plan in the form of an IoT Strategic Roadmap before development begins is crucial to mitigate complications in subsequent product development phases.