HP Innovation Journal Issue 10: Fall 2018 | Page 47
HP’S FITSTATION IS BRINGING
CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY
TO THE NFL
ANOUK PATTY
H e a d of Strate gic Pa r tn e rships , H P
As Head of Strategic Partnerships
at HP, Anouk Patty shares how 3D
scanning technology, an inspiring
team and her own love of sports
are powering FitStation.
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT HP’S FITSTATION AND
YOUR RECENT PARTNERSHIP WITH THE NFL?
The NFL uses FitStation to provide fit recommendations
to the equipment managers of all 32 teams. The innovative
hardware and software platform captures 3D scans of the
foot and foot pressure measurements along with a dynamic
gait analysis to create individual digital profiles. Using a
proprietary algorithm, FitStation then matches a player’s
digital profile with 3D images of previously scanned Nike,
Adidas and Under Armour cleats to provide a personalized
volumetric fit recommendation.
At that time, HP had just launched our FitStation solution
in running stores across the U.S. Customers entering a store
can get their feet scanned and walk across a pressure plate
to have their gait assessed. They are then presented with
a recommended list of running shoes and can even order
3D-printed custom insoles.
We were able to merge the NFL’s desire for data with our
FitStation initiatives to create a custom solution for the
NFL. Players can now have their feet scanned in their team’s
equipment room, walk across pressure plates and be matched
with their recommended cleat.
The project started over a year ago when the NFL and their
Player Health and Safety Committee were looking to reduce
lower limb injuries, particularly foot-related injuries. Foot
injuries are a disappointing roadblock for players and coaches
alike and can often be caused by ill-fitting cleats. The NFL
wanted to use 3D scanners to capture data that would help
them assess the problem and understand how to prevent it. The solution is making equipment managers’ lives easier by
reducing a previously cumbersome and manual measuring
process and by providing them with a tool that enhances their
credibility when working with a player to choose their cleats.
Better-fitting cleats, fewer injuries, more wins.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART WHAT ARE THREE WORDS YOU WOULD USE TO DESCRIBE
ABOUT WORKING ON FITSTATION? THE FITSTATION TEAM?
I grew up as an athlete, so I love all sports, but I also like
innovative technology, so it’s the merging of those two
things that gets me excited. With FitStation technology,
we can significantly improve the performance of athletes.
I understand the value FitStation can provide, and I truly
believe in it. I love football and believe in the brand of the
NFL, and we’re proud to deliver a solution that has helped the
league and their players. Driven. Focused. Fun.
However, it doesn’t stop at football. There are endless
possibilities in sports categories where this technology could
be useful. And it doesn’t matter what your level of ability is;
I believe everyone can benefit from FitStation.
Maker Spotlight
WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION FOR YOUR WORK?
Our leaders, Louis Kim, global head and GM of Immersive
Computing, and Ed Ponomarev, GM of FitStation, have
different leadership styles, but they are both extremely
inspiring. Their approach toward opportunities and challenges
is a great model for our team. Their relentless persistence and
endless fortitude keep us striving to develop technologies that
make life better for everyone everywhere.
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