Technogym, a world leading company in fitness and wellness technologies and solutions, has announced an initiative with IBM to build the next generation Watson Artificial Intelligence-driven cognitive coaching platform for health and wellness within the Technogym MyWellness cloud platform.

The goal is to create a Technogym ‘human-like’ virtual coach that is able to interact with people using natural language, and offer personalised training programmes based on user’s goals and context conditions (such as weather, agenda, health conditions, food intake) in order to enhance a healthier lifestyle.

The integration with IBM’s Watson cognitive computing and IoT technologies will enrich Technogym’s MyWellness platform – the cloud based ecosystem provides users with a fully personalised programme and gathers fitness data accessible from fitness equipment and smart phones – with further capabilities of interacting with the user, managing data and evaluating results thanks to a cognitive coach that will guide users while working out.

Wellness and fitness industry operators and personal trainers will also benefit from the new cognitive coaching platform, allowing them to ensure continued assistance through the virtual coach for their clients when they are travelling or training outside the facility.

The collaboration further enhances Technogym’s unique digital offerings within the fitness and wellness field, confirming the company’s focus on continuous innovation and technological research.

In 1996 Technogym launched the first software system to manage training at the gym, followed by the introduction of the first TV screen integrated in a piece of fitness equipment in 2003. In 2007 Technogym introduced online fitness equipment and in 2012 they were the first brand to introduce cloud technology in the fitness arena, connecting people, equipment and fitness facilities and thereby reinventing the way people access to wellness and health.

“Our goal has always been to offer our users a personalised training experience via connected equipment, services and content capable of interacting with them, understanding their deep motivation and needs, and delivering results,” said Nerio Alessandri, founder and CEO of Technogym.

“Our collaboration with IBM represents a further step towards the creation of increasingly customised and engaging training for our clients.”