Flexpoint Sensor Systems, Inc., and Bend Tech LLC today announced that Flexpoint has completed the development and manufacturing of working prototypes of a sports shoe that utilizes a series of bend sensors® to give real-time feedback in a high tech training shoe.
The system, including the associated electronics and software, will provide real time analysis showing balance, performance and other pertinent data relating to performance of the individual. The fast response time of the sensor allows it to provide time differentials between heel and toe strike. Other metrics like cadence, ground contact time, the time the foot is not in contact with the ground, shoe loading and unloading profiles and information critical to training can be measured and captured for later review and analysis.
An insert pad utilizing Flexpoint's patented Bend Sensor® technology and featuring several sensors is located within the shoe. The pad can be manufactured into different sizes that can be fitted into existing shoes, or can be manufactured and sized for specific shoes. The sensor features a single layer construction so that the sensors are not damaged or degraded by dust, dirt or other particulates. Moisture and immersion in mud, water, sweat and many other chemicals also do not affect the sensors' performance.
Clark Mower, President of Flexpoint stated, "We are excited to complete this important milestone for the shoe. Flexpoint's engineers have worked tirelessly to provide a fully functioning product meeting all the client's specifications. The product has a unique set of electronics that will give us the capability of reporting, in a variety of sports, on almost any metric that is desirable for training. Balance, weight transfer and positioning are critical in most sports performance and prevention of sports injuries. The prototypes clearly demonstrate the ability to provide this and other information. We anticipate this product to be widely available during early 2015."
He further stated, "We are delivering 50 pairs of inserts for shoes and are in the process of finalizing a Manufacturing Agreement with Bend Tech. This should be completed and announced during August."
Tony DeGreef, managing member of Bend Tech stated, "We are happy to have multiple working shoes that can be used to demonstrate the potential of the product. We are excited to see that they are even more amazing than we had originally envisioned. We are anxious to be able to move into the marketing phase of this project."