Technogym brings IoT and AI to fitness with IBM Watson
Technogym has tied up with IBM Watson to bring the internet of things and artificial intelligence to fitness. The aim is to offer a human-like virtual coach that can interact with users using natural language and personalised training programmes based on users' goals. Integration with IBM Watson's IoT technology will also boost Technogym's cloud-based mywellness platform, with fitness data accessible from both gym equipment and mobile. "Our collaboration with IBM represents a further step towards the creation of increasingly customised and engaging training for our clients," said Technogym founder and CEO Nerio Alessandri.

Mar 14, 17

Technogym and IBM bring the Watson AI into Wellness

TECHNOGYM has joined forces with IBM to build next generation’s Artificial Intelligence-driven cognitive coaching platform.

The goal is to create a ‘human-like’ virtual coach able to interact with people using natural language and to offer them personalised training programmes based on their goals and context conditions (such as weather, agenda, food intake) in order to enhance a wellness lifestyle.

Nerio Alessandri, founder and CEO of Technogym, said: “Our goal has always been to offer our users a personalised training experience via connected equipment, services and content capable of interacting with them, understanding their deep motivation and needs, and delivering results.

“Our collaboration with IBM represents a further step towards the creation of increasingly customised and engaging training for our clients.”

The integration with IBM Watson’s cognitive computing and IoT technologies will enrich Technogym’s mywellness platform – the cloud-based ecosystem providing fitness users with a fully personalised programme and gathering fitness data accessible from both fitness equipment and mobile –with further capabilities of interacting with the user, managing data and evaluating results thanks to a cognitive coach that will guide users while working out.

Wellness and fitness industry operators and personal trainers will also benefit from the new cognitive coaching platform, allowing them to ensure continued assistance through the virtual coach for their clients when they are travelling or training outside the facility.

The collaboration further enhances Technogym’s unique digital offerings within the fitness and wellness field, confirming the company’s focus on continuous innovation and technological research.

In 1996, Technogym launched the first software system to manage training at the gym, followed by the introduction of the first TV screen integrated in a piece of fitness equipment in 2003.

In 2007, Technogym introduced online fitness equipment and in 2012 they were the first brand to introduce cloud technology in the fitness arena, connecting people, equipment and fitness facilities and thereby reinventing the way people access to wellness.