The intelligent system helps track technique progress and wellness efforts.
Many years ago, I was trained as a martial artist. My discipline of choice was Tae Kwon Do, but I was also trained in Brazilian Jujitsu, Praying Mantis Kung Fu, Jeet Kune Do, Muay Thai Boxing, Judo, and Kali Filipino Stick Fighting. Through all those fighting styles there was one commonality — training. I had to study each discipline and perfect techniques within each. The only tools I had at home to practice with were punching dummies and gloves. Now, there are many different practicing tools that can be used to help improve your performance including this the PIQ Robot Blue – Boxing-Sensor System, a product developed as a joint partnership with Everlast.
Details
The PIQ Robot Blue provides you with actionable information that will allow you to improve your punches. The robot is punch recognition, speed, and G-Force Impact all in one system. The robot is designed to be worn with or without gloves and is an advanced tracking system for workouts including shadow boxing, bag, mitt training, and sparring. The robot is a small tag-like device that fits inside a special hand wrap. PIQ offers lifetime free app updates so that you are always getting the best possible experience from your workout.
FEATURES
- Tracks each type of punch thrown, giving you a detailed breakdown of punch count by type for all your workouts: shadow boxing, bag, mitt training and sparring
- Punch analysis: for each type of punch thrown, sensor breaks down the stats showing speed, impact and reaction time
- Is not only great for fighters but will track and show calories burned during a cardio workout
- The app allows you to view precise analytics measured just for you. The coach-like information provides graphs and metrics to pack a stronger punch and enhance your boxing technique.
User Experience
The PIQ Robot Blue system arrived in a very eye-catching box. The packaging has a graphic on the front of a pair of eyes with sweat dripping off of the forehead. It’s a very detailed package graphics-wise and even has some details about the product included. When you open the box you will find the wristband, robot, robot charger, and a quick reference guide. The Robot snaps into the wristband mount, which is flexible. It’s very secure once it’s in place and I didn’t have any issues with it loosening while I was using the sensor. As far as charging goes, the robot simply rests on the charging base. I do wish it seemed like it locked into place or at least fastened by magnets because it is hard to tell if the robot is making a connection with the charging contacts. There is also no LED indicator to show if it’s indeed charging. In fact, the only way I found to check the battery status was through the app.
One of the features I really like about this workout system is that it stores a session until you are able to sync it with your phone/app. This is great for people who visit gyms and decide to leave their phone in a locker. You can still use the robot to track your progress even when it’s not connected to your phone. Pairing the robot to the app was a simple process, too. You simply press the blue multifunction button on the robot until it enters pairing mode. Once it pairs, you will be asked to update it. This can take a few minutes to complete. When the firmware process is complete, you can start working out.
I ended up testing out the robot in a couple of different ways. I did a handful of quick sessions to see how accurate the punch count was and then I also completed some quick jabs into the air just to see how that type of workout would register. For testing, I had five individual sessions. Out of those four, only four were registered by the robot. Three of the four sessions that registered only recorded 24 punches between the three of them. I purposely counted out 10 punches during two of those sessions and 13 during the third in order to compare the recorded results with the real session. The first time I tried to record sessions, I found that the robot was not communicating properly. After some online research, I found that it may have been because of a low battery. The sessions that did record were done on a full charge.
Conclusions
As far as health and wellness tracking systems go, this one is pretty effective and advanced compared to other basic sensor systems like the Apple Watch or Fitbit. I really love how easy the set-up is and the simplicity of the design. It’s meant to work with hands/wrists of all sizes and because you can use it with or without gloves, it’s inclusive of all types of users. I can recommend this system to boxers and fitness enthusiasts alike because I truly believe it can help improve overall health and wellness. I think I would probably use a secondary tracking system if possible since it seems like the session recordings might be just a bit off.
For more information, visit piq.com/boxing
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