Innovative technology firm, Flexpoint Sensor Systems – Sports Division, and Bend Tech, LLC, announced yesterday that funding has been secured for the development of a “Smart Shoe” that has the technology to collect data for athletic training purposes. Flexpoint, in conjunction with Bend Tech, innovatively developed the shoe to communicate with smart phones and other wireless devices in order to give real-time analysis, showing things like balance placement, performance, and other relevant data relating to athletic or exercise performance.
“In the past, we have made successful demonstrations to major golf equipment and shoe manufacturers. Recent advances in electronics and miniaturization of electronic components available have allowed us improve and reintroduce this cutting edge product. Golf will be the first targeted industry, but successful entry into this segment opens a number of other areas for development as this technology transfers to many other sports and recreational activities,” commented Tony DeGreef, Bend Tech Manager. “These activities have millions of enthusiasts, spending billions of dollars annually who are looking for improvements to their individual performance. We believe that these new products will offer inexpensive technology for that purpose. The products have generated enthusiastic response each time they have been discussed with individuals within the selected industries. With millions of potential customers and the feedback we are receiving from the marketplace, I believe this product could easily achieve millions of dollars in annual sales.”
Representatives of Bend Tech are currently involved in ongoing negotiations and substantial discussions with several leading equipment manufacturers and distributors. The companies anticipate that the development of the product could be completed and brought to market as early as the middle of next year.
“We are pleased to be moving forward with this project, it continues to gain momentum,” states Flexpoint CEO, Clark Mower. “The next step will be to build advanced prototypes for demonstration purposes and then take the shoe to various manufacturers to work out either a manufacturing agreement or a licensing agreement for production of the shoe and related electronics. We will have fully upgraded electronics and visual displays as we prepare for the PGA merchandise show January 21-24 in Orlando, Florida. We anticipate entering into development and production agreements after this show.”
In addition, Flexpoint and Bend Tech are collaborating on other innovative technology products, such as sensors for golf clubs that will relay a golfer’s performance data. The sensor and technology has already been implemented for use in running and bowling shoes and is easily adaptable for other uses. Overall the products will be used to both measure and help improve an individual’s performance. Several prototypes of the shoes and golf club shafts have been met with acclaim and have already been brought to fruition and demonstrated to leading equipment manufacturers.
To learn more, please visit www.flexpoint.com
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