CPI Helps Running Entrepreneur Take Big Step Forward
The Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) has supported an entrepreneur’s vision to help runners find the most appropriate type of footwear.
CPI worked with Craig Downs on mymo, a wearable sock which uses artificial intelligence to gauge an athlete’s gait. By embedding electronics into the sock, Mr Downs’ company, Shoes2Run, can measure how feet perform during a short walk, jog or run. Data gathered from the product is then sent to a smartphone app, via the Internet of Things, with the information used to direct athletes to the most suitable footwear on the market, minimising their risk of injury. The information can also be shared with physiotherapists and podiatrists to monitor injuries.
CPI supported Mr Downs by designing and implementing electronics to log sensor measurements, as well as adding wireless integration into a smartphone app and offline tool for algorithm development. The project builds on CPI’s strong track record in artificial intelligence through printed electronics and represents another example of its work across the Internet of Things, which connects devices via the web and allows them to send and receive data.
CPI has created rolls of thin, flexible inlays containing multiple electronic components. These can be converted into labels or embedded into smart products, such as pharmaceutical packaging capable of monitoring a drug’s condition. This printed electronics work takes place at NETPark, Sedgefield, and a sister base which opened earlier this year at Newton Aycliffe, County Durham.
“The work on mymo highlights further the organisation’s expertise in printed electronics. This is exactly the type of project our Newton Aycliffe’s facility is geared towards.” Said Gillian Kears-Fricker, Business Development Manager at CPI. “We were delighted to support Craig in the development of mymo and will continue working with Shoes2Run on any further developments.”
Mr Downs, whose company is based in Washington, Wearside, received further support from the North-East Business and Innovation Centre’s (BIC) SME Innovation Programme, with Northumbria University working on an artificial intelligence algorithm for his product. The collaboration also included support from Creative Fuse North-East, the University of Sunderland, and RTC North.
Mr Downs said: “After suffering an injury by wearing inappropriate shoes, I wanted to make sure other runners didn’t experience the same problem. By collaborating with CPI, the BIC and various other organisations, we have created this patent-pending innovation, knowing no other company is currently providing unbiased footwear recommendations via this kind of technology.”
Mr Downs hopes to launch this product in the new year.
News source: CPI
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The proximity to the universities and the infrastructure are very important factors. Ultimately having a presence in Europe is very valuable to us and we intend to stay at NETPark for many years to come.
CPI has developed a specialist offering to support SMEs looking to develop their printable electronics applications and our partnership with Business Durham has been instrumental in attracting several SMEs to locate here in the region.
We initially came because of the printable electronics centre but access to a highly skilled semi conductor workforce in the North East has been a key factor in us staying and growing here, as well as the value for money office space and the access to funding.
Access to quality facilities was one of the main drivers for deciding to locate the business at the NETPark. We have been able to use this as a launch pad to link into support from CPI and world-class expertise from Durham University.
It fits perfectly for us that we’re surrounded by like-minded companies at NETPark. There are a number of highly skilled people in the area who can help us grow our business. The facilities and services offered by NETPark are first class, they make office life simple and engaging.
The quality of the facilities at NETPark and the attitude of staff is first class. It has a really dynamic, innovative atmosphere.