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Using a 3D camera, sensors and an infrared projector, FitMe scans your body with 98 percent accuracy.
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Starting with your physical data, it then provides you with accurate analyses of your body, offering personalized workout and nutrition plans based on artificial intelligence and at an affordable cost.
It is said that Steve Jobs’ real genius in inventing the iPhone was not to create something new and unseen out of nothing but to put together different things that everyone already knew: a phone, an iPod and an Internet browser. After all, he himself had always emphasized the competitive advantage that a new product had that had functions that everyone found familiar: no one had to learn how to use a new thing because they already knew how to use it!
It is too early to say whether FitMe will be successful, but there is certainly something familiar about it. It comes from the MIT Sandbox, a program of the same name that helps students with innovative ideas with funds and technology, and resembles a camera mounted vertically on a small tripod to rest on a flat surface. The design pays tribute to Apple: it is white with chrome details.
What it is
Inside its shiny, reflective surfaces are actually several technologies: 3D cameras, stereo sensors, and a 900-point infrared projector. Their function is to scan your body and provide a 98% accurate analysis (at least according to what the company says) compared to:
- fat mass
- muscle mass
- body size
All this technology, as mentioned, is contained in a casing that once again resembles something familiar: a webcam, or at least the ones that used to be used. The difference being that those returned an often low-quality image, while this one detects your body in 3D. And it doesn’t broadcast it to anyone, if you value privacy. In fact, after scanning you, your data is processed directly in the unit and is not transmitted to the cloud and the manufacturing company.
What is the purpose of this data? To have material to process to enable you to achieve particular wellness goals. You’d think there are already personal trainers for that, and you’d be right, but FitMe is significantly less expensive (we’re talking $359 with a one-year subscription) and gives you advice on how to improve your fitness through workout plans and with nutrition tips.
Two worlds, together
After scanning you and thanks to the 3D model obtained, its second nature comes into play, namely that operated by AI. Based on your data, goals, and physical fitness, FitMe devises a personalized plan made up of workout sessions and the most suitable diet for you to tackle and complete. In short, the work of a personal trainer but directly on your cell phone, and based on more in-depth knowledge than visual. At a lower price, and certainly this is FitMe’s “selling point,” that is, the competitive advantage that makes it attractive: a relatively low cost in proportion to the benefits it offers. All thanks to technology that you feel you already know. Because in fact, you already know it.
If you are interested in FitMe you can participate in the fundraising campaign on Kickstarter. Those who already financially support its development and then its production, at the price of $599 also get the virtual personal training service for life while with the $399 solution one buys a subscription to the platform for only one year.