Wearable technology dedicated to grappling that allows you to track your rolling positions and improve your game
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Wearable technology dedicated to grappling that allows you to track your rolling positions and improve your game
About this project
The RollTec Rashguard is the world's first wearable technology made for grapplers. A motion sensor inside the rashguard delivers analysis of your training session straight to your iOS/Android smartphone - no wires, no hassle. Inspired by our own desires to train smarter, RollTec tells you which grappling positions you have spent the most time in, offering both individual roll 'timelines' and long-term tracking. Based on your stats, the app gives you suggestions on how to improve.
“The secret to improving is being aware of how you are spending your training time." - Nic Gregoriades
RollTec allows you to get detail to the second on how much time you are spending in different positions so you can spot areas you are neglecting and observe changes in your game over time. Our focus is on enabling deliberate practice, not only putting in the hours of practice, but making sure they are effective. The timeline feature also allows you to spot patterns in how you progress/lose your position. Unless you were to video yourself every training session, there is no other way to get this kind of granularity.
- Position breakdown by training session, week, month and year: Observe positions you are neglecting and changes in your rolling behavior over time.
- Suggested Moves: Based on where you are spending your time, the app will suggest particular technique videos to supplement your training
- Roll Timeline: View the position sequences for a given roll to understand common patterns, strengths and weaknesses
Detection of Four Fundamental Positions
RollTec's algorithms currently can distinguish four fundamental grappling positions, from both your and your opponent's perspective.
- Mount
- Side Control
- Guard
- Back Control
Only you have to wear the RollTec Rashguard, your partner doesn’t need to have one.
The RollTec Rashguard can be worn whether you train with or without a Gi.
The app can display how much time you’ve been spending in the four positions: as either the attacker or defender.
When walking around or just grabbing a quick drink, RollTec's app will detect and categorize any of these types of movements as “other”.
This means that you don’t have to worry about staying in the four fundamental grappling positions during training. There is also no need to pause recording when you are not rolling either.
Smartphone App to track and visualize training
The RollTec smartphone app is where all the information from your rashguard is displayed.
The app will be available for free on the Google Play and Apple App store.
The app connects to the sensor via Bluetooth, which is embedded within the rashguard. Once connected, you can start recording your rolling session.
When you’ve completed a session, the app displays the breakdown of positions which you’ve been training in. This information can be selected across any time frame: the last session, this week, this month, and even this year.
RollTec enables you to analyse and search for patterns during your rolling sessions.
Suggested Moves Feature
Using the information gathered from your training sessions, RollTec's app presents you with a custom list of training videos for you to review and help you progress faster.
The training videos, based on your rolling data, show you technical advice on how to be better in the various positions from world class grapplers across the globe.
This includes hints to improve your ability to survive in positions, as well as sweeps, escapes or finishes from positions that you’re spending the most time in.
WORKFLOW VIDEO
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Put the sensor in the pouch (attached to the rashguard)
We wanted RollTec to be as versatile as possible, so the embedded sensor is easily removable from its protective enclosure.
Put on the RollTec Rashguard
Connect to the sensor
Start rolling!
Review rolling information
Develop a deeper understanding of your training habits
SIZING GUIDE
To ensure a proper fit, make sure to follow the steps below.
STEP 1: MEASURE YOURSELF
- Chest (A): Measure around the fullest part of your chest. Use a measuring tape and keep it horizontal while you’re measuring.
- Length (B): Measure from the top of your collar bone, straight down, towards the ground.
- Waist (C): Measure around the narrowest part (typically the small of your back). Use a measuring tape and keep it horizontal while you’re measuring.
- Sleeve (D): Measure from the end of your shoulder, when your arm is hanging down, vertically down to your wrist.
STEP 2: FIND YOUR SIZE
Use the charts below to determine your size. If you’re on the borderline between two sizes, order the smaller size for a tighter fit or the larger size for a looser fit. If your measurements for chest and waist correspond to two different suggested sizes, order the size indicated by your chest measurement.
RASHGUARD
- Heavy duty Lycra
- Flat stitching to reduce irritation
- Moisture wicking
- Sublimated logos ensuring long term durability and breathability
- Rashguard has long sleeves and comes in black ONLY
SENSOR
The sensor is made by wearable technology specialists Mbientlab and manufactured in Silicon Valley.
- Bluetooth Low Energy
- 6-axis combo sensor from BOSCH with accelerometer and gyroscope
- USB recharchable battery
When the battery runs out, plug the sensor into a USB charger just like your phone.
CASE
The case is able to withstand all the rigours of grappling training you put yourself through, including protecting the sensors from sweat.
- Shatterproof Plastic
- Sweat Resistant
- Allows access to sensor for charging
PADDING
The sensor pouch is enclosed in subtle padding, that is both durable and breathable, in order to protect you and your training partners.
- Open cell urethane foam
- Breathable
- Soft & Flexible
- Lightweight
- High impact protection
- Dilatant material = the harder & faster the impact the stiffer & more protective the foam gets
"Built by grapplers, for grapplers. We know the product has to be tough.”
SMARTPHONE APP
- Android compatible
- iOS compatible
- Available for free
- Make sure your device is Bluetooth Low Energy compliant
Other Product Scope Details
How can you detect motion with just one sensor?
By combining data from both an accelerometer and gyroscope, and then training the latest Human Activity Recognition algorithms using a lot of manually collected data from core Jiu-Jitsu positions.
Does the rashguard detect the specific type of guard - Closed guard, Butterfly guard, Half guard, De La River Guard etc.?
No - this is not possible with just one sensor.
What is the motion detection accuracy?
About 75%. We hope to increase this to 80% by the time we ship. In practice, this means that the device may make the occasional mistake classifying your position (e.g. mount instead of side mount). This is the trade off of making the product affordable and comfortable.
What is the Bluetooth range?
About 30 feet. So long as your smart phone is in the room where you are training, the connection will be consistent.
What happens if my Bluetooth Connection Drops
The app will attempt to reconnect. While the connection is down then no data is recorded, but any data that was previously recorded will be saved.
Does it detect Heart Rate?
No, although future versions may include a heart rate monitor.
Can I use this for other sports?
No, it is specifically for grappling. It should not be used whilst boxing/kickboxing.
How long does the battery last?
About 15 hours of constant use. You can then recharge it using a USB cable.
What color does the rashguard come in?
You can have any color, as long as it's black.
Will the rashguard have long or short sleeves?
All rashguards will come with long sleeves.
Can I compare my stats with my team/friends?
This functionality is one of our stretch goals
Will you sell my data to Google/Facebook [insert company that wants your data]
Absolutely not.
Shipping Information:
Since local regulations vary, please be aware that we cannot be held responsible for additional sales taxes, import/customs fees or delays due to customs inspections made by your country.
Shipping charges to the U.S. are included in all of our reward levels.
The costs to ship RollTec Grappling to Canada are $10 USD, anywhere else, worldwide, will be an additional £10 ($15 USD).
For almost a year, we’ve been developing over 6 generations of sensor case prototypes, 7 generations of rashguard configurations, refining our machine learning algorithms and recorded countless rolling sessions in order to bring accurate session analysis to RollTec.
Case Development
Rashguard Development
Testing
Where are we now?
With your support, we can bring RollTec to grapplers worldwide.
The version of RollTec you see in the videos and pictures is a fully functioning and working prototype.
Your contribution will help fund:
- The finalization of the case and rashguard design
- Manufacturing of the rashguards
- First bulk order of sensors
- The development of an iOS app
- Testing of first production run before shipping to the backers
The technology for RollTec is readily available and is being used in many other industries and sports, but so far it has been never been used to help grapplers. The team at RollTec want to change this. We want to go beyond showing how many steps you’ve taken or how many calories you’ve burned, and instead show information specific to your training.
Right now RollTec can accurately distinguish four fundamental grappling positions. Long term, our aim is to push this technology further with smarter algorithms and more accurate position recognition. We foresee possibilities of adding to the number of detectable positions, knowing what type of submission you are doing, and eventually even injury prevention.
By supporting RollTec you’re not only helping to create the first wearable for grapplers, but also you are paving the way for wearables in other martial arts / disciplines. As this new technology matures it will reshape the way we train and improve, and allow martial artists to get even more out of their art.
Risks and challenges
As with any wearable project, there are always risks involved when delivering the product at scale.
Establishing a reliable and effective supply chain and its ongoing management poses risk to any new company, but we our confident in our ability to identify and work with the correct partners.
When shipping RollTec to you, the backers, we will ensure product integrity by working with only proven companies, so that problems don’t arise at one of the last hurdles. For example, our sensors are made by mbientlab, a respected wearable sensor specialist based in silicon valley. This reduces the hardware component risk usually associated with wearable projects.
Please be aware that the final look of the product and features are subject to changes based on the final production design, your feedback and circumstances outside of our control (such as component availability).
Our team is committed to keeping you informed of our progress, both during and following our campaign.
With your support, you can help us bring this new and exciting wearable technology to life.
Thank you,
The RollTec Team
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