In 2018, BotBoxer was launched, the first robotic punching bag designed to simulate an opponent.
BotBoxer can therefore anticipate and react. It can dodge punches, non-verbally taunt, and maybe even train you to be a better boxer.
Developed by sports simulator company SkyTechSport (also known for its Ski Simulator), BotBoxer works like an arcade game. It is activated and calibrated using a control panel located next to the bag. Once powered up, the device uses an array of sensors that allow it to track and avoid incoming punches.
A u starts a system of high-speed cameras is engaged and follows the position of the fists, elbows, shoulders and torso. The data is then used to predict where the punch will come from and electric motors are used to ward off the incoming punch.
SkyTechSport designed the Botboxer to be first and foremost as fast as possible for professionals. The average reaction time of a human is around 230 microseconds, and that of a professional around 150 microseconds, the BotBoxer, when set to 10, can react in just 75 microseconds.
In 2018, Tony Jeffries (double GOLD medalist at the Olympic Games) tried out the BotBoxer and declared that this bag was the future of boxing training.
However, since its launch, few rooms have been equipped (the machine costing the modest sum of 24,900 dollars), and little media coverage since.
It would seem that the company has pivoted the development of the product. It now offers a more entertainment-oriented product that can target arcades and events.
This change of positioning in the product suggests that the success was not at the rendezvous among boxing professionals. It must be said that trips are common and the training very personalised between coach and athlete.
Although many physical constraints seem to limit its use, the idea is already there. How to develop a tool that could mimic the repetitive efforts of the boxing trainer?
Indeed, even if the coaches are talented, they will never be able to compete with the speed of execution of a machine and push the athletes to the maximum.
