IEE, Luxembourgish sensing technology developer, and Kinematix, a leader in measuring human movement, yesterday announced their collaboration has culminated in the production of a new wearable technology for runners.

The new wearable device, TUNE, was developed with simplicity and easy use in mind, and the companies claimed it goes beyong measuing basic statistics, such as pace and speed. TUNE is the only wearable on the market to measure each foot's ground-contact and heel-contact times in-show for both feet at the same time, giving runners an assessment of their technique whilst exercising. The TUNE device then uses this assessment to develop an individualised exercise plan based on the runner's personal profile and the evolving patterns detected during runs and training.

"Until now, only elite runners have had access to the type of data available through TUNE," said Kinematix CEO Paulo Ferreira dos Santos. "Now, recreational runners at all levels can monitor their movements during a run, obtain an analysis of the evolution of their running technique, and make use of customised exercise plans designed to help them improve. The TUNE app even shows them how to do the exercises."

For the past seven years, Portuguese technology company Kinematix and developer of specialised systems IEE have been working together to develop the most sophisticated wearable sensor technology and the unique features of TUNE are one of the outcomes of this collaboration.

"Since we started working together in 2008, we found that there is a lot of complementarity between the innovative sensors from IEE and the Kinematix applications," continued Ferreira dos Santos. "The combination of our knowledge and skills will allow us to bring the differentiated and winning approach to customer needs that is necessary in high-growth markets like wearables or internet-of things. Over the past seven years we have cemented a strong and passionate working relationship and TUNE is the first result of our recently formalised co-operation agreement."

"When IEE began more than 25 years ago, we ourselves were a small start-up with a good idea and a few people,” added Michel Witte, IEE's President and CEO. "Being part of the TUNE project is, in a way, taking us back to our roots. Kinematix and IEE saw a need and have developed a revolutionary product that will change the way we all run. It’s an exciting place to be and fits well with our diversification strategy."

"But not only is the product itself innovative, it has also been launched via Kickstarter – a new and ingenious way to fund creative projects. And I, for one, am confident that we will be successful."

Mr. Ferreira dos Santos claimed that TUNE will revolutionise running.

"It is the first real novel approach in years to help runners improve their technique," he concluded. "Stay tuned for what Kinematix and IEE can do together!"

 

Photo by IEE / Kinematix