Korean startup Omolle’s interactive ‘smart mat’ fitness service makes exercising at home enjoyable

‘Connected fitness’ is the new norm in this era of the digital world and at-home fitness program preferences as it helps fitness enthusiasts connect their fitness goals with their screen life. In the world of ‘connected fitness’ is the latest entry from Korean startup Omolle Inc. – a unique smart mat service – MATIV that makes at-home fitness interactive and fun.

MATIV offers fitness video streaming like YouTube, simultaneously collects users’ exercise data with the smart mat and, it provides various feedback and interaction depending on the real-time situation to help users work out enjoyably.

Mat analyses data and give real-time feedback

Omolle’s service offers connected fitness using smart mats and wristbands, which collect data from users’ feet and arm movements when they exercise. The data collected provides an interactive fitness tech service based on bodyweight exercises. MATIV’s smart mat, embedded with 40,000 sensors, a 6-axis IMU sensor and an AI algorithm, distinguishes between nearly 300 movements and analyzes workout performance in real-time. The smart band’s sensor and algorithm analyzes arm motion, arm position and speed.

The collated data of exercise movements are analyzed and displayed on screen in real-time and post-workout so users can see calories burned, their ranking , and their exercise score. MATIV’s AI detects the exercise situation in real-time and provides various interactive features such as instructor’s voice feedback, burned calories display and encouragement tools to experience working out with a personal coach even at home. MATIV offers a range of workout videos with greater options to explore new exercises such as dance or kickboxing. Omolle’s CEO Minki Kang said, “We are delighted to be able to provide a new type of connected fitness service through smart mats in a market that treadmills and indoor cycling have dominated.”

Omolle’s expansion plans

Omolle has secured the original technology after applying for a patent for the technology used in MATIV. The company has applied for 50 different patents, trademarks, and designs, both in Korea and abroad. Thirteen patents and other intellectual property rights have already been registered.

The startup is launching the product officially next month, but its beta testing results have shown greater interest in workouts by participants. Also, the company’s Kickstarter in April 2021, helped it raise $200k for the service. Omolle has been selected for the Amazon Launchpad program and planned to sell its products through Amazon upon official launch. Omolle’s revenue model is based on mat sales and video subscriptions.

The company is planning to introduce its service in the USA by September 2021. Omolle’s future plans are to expand through various integrations and collaborations with different technology industries like hospitality, sleep tech, smart cities, etc.

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