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# Motivational Running Robots
The PUMA BeatBot Gives Runners a Data-Driven Visual Competitor

By Alyson Wyers | Published 2016-04-30 | Lifestyle
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/running-robot
References: [fastcocreate](http://www.fastcocreate.com/3059417/puma-created-a-robot-as-fast-as-usain-bolt-to-make-athletes-better) & [youtu.be](https://youtu.be/Q-g1DtiXfu8)

This running robot from [PUMA](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fast-rb-nitrotm-elite) is designed to train runners. The PUMA [BeatBot](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cordless-pool-cleaner) is described as "a programmable, self-driving, line-following robot" that gives runners something to race against. It motivates athletes to push harder, regardless of their experience or skill level, as it provides a visual target to beat beyond the stopwatch.

The running robot can be programmed with a smartphone app. The BeatBot was developed to recreate world record holder Usain Bolt's 100m run at 44km an hour. You can also use the app to beat your best time or challenge your friend's time.

Ad agency J. Walter Thompson New York conceived the concept of the sensor-equipped red racing box. Made with the expertise of a [NASA](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/space-news) robotics engineer and MIT graduates, the BeatBot uses advanced technology to suit a very human competitive drive.

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 4.7/10
- Popularity: 42% | Activity: 91% | Freshness: 8%
- Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women
- Primary generations: Millennial
- Top markets: North America

## Categories

[Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Sports](https://www.trendhunter.com/sports)

## Key Themes

### Why This Trend Is Growing

- **Data-driven Training:** The PUMA BeatBot uses data-driven technology to provide runners with a visual target to beat, motivating them to push harder.
- **Smartphone-controlled Robots:** The BeatBot can be programmed and controlled through a smartphone app, making it convenient and accessible for users.
- **Advanced Robotics in Athletics:** With the expertise of a NASA robotics engineer and MIT graduates, the development of the BeatBot showcases the potential of advanced robotics in the sports industry.

### Industries Being Reshaped

- **Sports Equipment:** The use of data-driven technology in the PUMA BeatBot presents an opportunity for sports equipment companies to innovate and create smart training devices for athletes.
- **Fitness Apps:** The smartphone-controlled feature of the BeatBot highlights the potential for fitness app developers to incorporate robotic training companions into their platforms.
- **Robotics Engineering:** The development of the BeatBot demonstrates the application of advanced robotics technology in the field of athletics, opening up opportunities for robotics engineering firms to collaborate with sports brands.

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