Smart sports: how KDDI integrates AI to enhance runners’ experience
※This is a machine-translated text of the original article.
At “Run Pit by au Smart Sports”(hereinafter referred to as Run Pit) operated by KDDI Corporation and the Mainichi Newspapers Co Ltd, a facility located near the Imperial Palace running route, KDDI began a demonstration trial of AI-powered running analysis and unstaffed operation of the facility to create new fitness experiences between December 18, 2019 and March 31, 2020.
This demonstration was conducted in collaboration with Sportip Inc and edison.ai to develop a co-creation platform, “KDDI ∞ Labo 5G Program,” that creates new values with startup companies in the 5G era.
Sportip’s Running Form Automated Analysis (Running Form Analyzer) makes a one-minute video recording of a person on a running machine using a tablet device. Sportip’s proprietary image-analysis technique (Sportip AI) will provide on-the-spot recommendations on how to choose running shoes and other expert training advice based on a runner’s stride and pitch (measured time for one step).
During the demonstration trial, runners can borrow shoes by French outdoor sports brand Salomon at Run Pit free of charge. This way, they can run the Imperial Palace route wearing shoes recommended AI analyzer.
Meanwhile, edison.ai’s image analysis technology made it possible to automate the shopping process at Run Pit. Users are identified by QR code on their smartphone when they enter shops, and purchase of desired items is finalized with a pre-registered credit card once they pick the item and leave the store.
Run Pit’s automated shop offers various useful items such as sports socks, rehydration drinks, protein-rich snacks, etc.
The use of cutting-edge technology is intended to improve user experience and also better the efficiency of operating the Run Pit facility.
Original Text: https://ampmedia.jp/2019/12/18/kddi-2/