Exclusive: Theragun maker offers AI-powered coaching
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An athlete using a Theragun massager. Image: Therabody
Therabody, the maker of Theragun, is launching a new AI feature that works with its massager device's app to offer athletes personalized recovery coaching.
Why it matters: While AI presents fresh opportunity for hardware makers to add smarts to their gadgets, it's forcing them to place bets on what efforts will add the most value and help stave off rivals.
Driving the news: Coach by Therabody is a free feature being added to its iOS and Android apps. For now, it works with certain models of the company's Theragun massager, with plans to expand further.
- Coach offers more than 100 routines designed for those who have taken part in various activities and are looking to recover from their workout. Coach works with health apps from Google, Apple, Strava and others.
- The company is also launching a partnership with Garmin to incorporate data collected via its fitness wearables.
What they're saying: "We've seen a lot of companies do AI for AI's sake," said Caitlin Borzok, Theragun's senior VP of digital.
- By contrast, Borzok said AI is what will let the company reach its own goal of being able to offer more nuance and context for each person.
Our thought bubble: While new AI gadgets such as Humane's AI Pin have gotten a tremendous amount of coverage, some of the most meaningful advances in the near term could come from makers of existing hardware who figure out clever ways to layer in AI smarts.
What's next: Theragun is looking to further tailor its routines, expand to work with other products in the company's portfolio and also incorporate real-time feedback to understand where someone might be sore and adjust treatments accordingly.
Editor's note: This story has been corrected to clarify that Therabody's Coach is a feature of its existing app (not a standalone app).
