UT students invent wristband to track weightlifting
TAMPA (FOX 13) - A team of students from the University of Tampa is working on an invention that would be the first of its kind in logging and tracking weightlifting.
They call the technology LiftSync and it includes a set of sensors that would be placed on weights and communicate with wearable bands worn on a user's wrists.
The bands would use internal sensors to identify the weight and would automatically recognize the movement and repetitions. That information would be sent to an application in real time, where the user could then track their workouts.
"Whether you pick up a 40-pound weight, it knows it. Whether you do 12 reps instead of 11, it knows it without you having to touch a single button," said junior Matt Phillips.
LiftSync would be marketed toward gyms as a tool it could use to track members' workouts.
The UT team, made up of juniors Mariner Cheney, Phillips, Patrick Schroeder and senior Derek Flores, recently won a local startup competition.
They're currently in the regionals, with a chance to advance to a global competition called Global Startup Battle. Winners receive $100,000 to support their business.
The student entrepreneurs said they have already trademarked the product. They are working to get it patented and developing a working prototype.
"There's nobody who links directly to the weights like we do. So you'd be able to go into a gym with this equipment integrated and be able to log your workout hands free in real time," said Schroeder.
To advance in the regional, the LiftSync team needs online votes before Dec. 4. To vote for them, click here.