NEVER STOP Research and Development
Manufacturing innovation
To simplify manufacturing, enable product innovation and bring the production of apparel and footwear closer to the consumer, the adidas Group’s R&D activities are focused on new manufacturing technology. Our goal is to combine state-of-the-art information technology with new manufacturing processes and innovative products. For this reason, we commit ourselves to long-term cooperation with industry-leading companies and organisations to take a leading role in manufacturing innovation.
Ongoing efforts and projects in this field include:
Speedfactory: Speedfactory combines the design and development of sporting goods with an automated, decentralised and exible manufacturing process. It includes intelligent robotic technology that not only offers outstanding performance quality but also presents a unique design to the shoes. High-performance sporting goods can be created faster than ever before by using automated manufacturing to bring production to where the consumer is. Beyond that, Speedfactory will have a significant positive impact on the environment by cutting down on shipping emissions, whilst drastically reducing the use of adhesives. The rst limited quantity of concept shoes comprising running footwear will be revealed in the rst half of 2016, with high-volume production for consumers set to launch in the near future. Futurecraft: The Futurecraft series is a forward-looking initiative that places Open Source collaboration and craftsmanship at the heart of design to drive innovation across all elements of production. In 2015, two groundbreaking design innovations were unveiled: the future of footwear with Futurecraft 3D and the Futurecraft Leather. Futurecraft 3D is a unique 3D-printed running shoe midsole which can be tailored to the cushioning needs of an individual’s foot. Futurecraft Leather is a revolutionary combination of a high-tech manufacturing process and traditional material to create a completely seamless upper that enables ex, support and comfort in one single piece of material.
Digital and experience innovation
The adidas brand was the first in the industry to comprehensively bring data analytics to the athlete. With decades of continuous investment in sports science, sensor technology, wearables and digital communication platforms, adidas has already taken a leading role in terms of changing the sporting goods industry through technology. With increasing speed of urban digitalisation, this eld will remain one of our core areas. To enhance our digital capabilities, in 2015 the adidas Group acquired Runtastic, one of the leading global players in the health and tness app market.
Major recent innovations in the digital landscape include:
miCoach Train and Run: One of the most comprehensive health and tness apps available, miCoach Train and Run brings cardio and strength as well as flex guidance and tracking to mobile handsets. Workouts are built in reps and circuits and designed by Team Exos, the world’s leader in sports science and athlete training. Runtastic Results: Runtastic Results is a 12-week, customised training plan based on bodyweight training combined with a health and nutrition guide. Personalised training plans are based on the individual tness levels of the user and can be extended by individual workouts. All workouts are supported by step-by-step instructions on how to complete the individual exercises. To further assist the user in his or her goal, the app also provides week-by-week tips on healthy eating, sleep and more in order to maximise results.
adidas Group | 2015 Annual Report
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