The American AI boxing company Growl recently launched a brand new wall-mounted fitness device aimed at providing users with an interactive experience with real boxing coaches. Unlike interactive fitness equipment such as Lululemon Mirror and Tonal, Growl's design emphasizes physical interaction, combining a projector and sensors to offer users a real punching bag to hit, rather than relying solely on a screen for virtual fitness guidance.
The Growl device uses a projector instead of a traditional LCD or OLED screen, creating a larger and more immersive display experience. Its compact design allows the device to be easily mounted on the wall without taking up much space. Users' workout data and progress are displayed in real-time on the wall projection, while the punching bag screen shows a life-sized virtual boxing coach, providing an immersive coaching experience.
To achieve precise interaction and feedback, Growl is equipped with infrared time-of-flight sensors that can detect the position and force of users' punches in real-time, transforming the surface of the punching bag into a responsive touchscreen. Additionally, multiple cameras track users' movements in 3D, while the AI system analyzes these movements and provides real-time feedback to help users improve their skills.
Growl's training content includes interactive guidance from virtual coaches, who will direct your punching direction and provide personalized training advice. In addition to regular training, Growl also offers interactive fitness games similar to "Beat Saber," where players need to hit a series of incoming targets, adding fun to the workout.
Although the device is not cheap, with a monthly subscription fee for unlimited home access expected to be $150 (for a 48-month plan) or $190 (for a 36-month plan), its pricing remains competitive compared to high-end devices from brands like Peloton. The total price over four years is approximately $7,200, while three years would cost around $6,840. This price is not far off from the Peloton Tread Plus ($7,407 over four years), and users can own the Growl device after the subscription period ends.
Growl's boxing trainer not only offers an interactive and immersive experience that traditional fitness equipment lacks but also provides users with a more flexible and enjoyable way to train. It breaks the design framework of traditional fitness equipment, utilizing the combination of projection and sensors to create a more dynamic and interactive fitness environment.