Imagine having a digital version of yourself following your every move, from your morning breakfast to your evening run. A virtual shadow that not only observes, but also gives advice and suggestions on how to optimize your health and training. This is no longer a vision from science fiction, but a reality for TCS futurist Bill Quinn, who is using the technology to prepare for the Chicago Marathon.
It’s not surprising that we’re seeing an acceleration in athlete performance right now – especially in running. The development of running shoes has progressed rapidly in recent years, with carbon fiber shoes taking the running world by storm. Products for recovery are also an area where innovations follow each other and now you can treat all muscle groups in a professional way at home through high-quality massage guns and other massage products.
If you want to monitor exactly how your body is reacting, it is also possible to do this through health tests specially designed for athletes. In other words, there is no need for in-depth studies on why we are now seeing better results in competitions around the world.
Digital twin – Your personal trainer in digital form
Another interesting area for the future is digital twins. Already now we are seeing a digital twin technology developed by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). This is an interesting technology to optimize performance in the future. Technologically, we already have increasingly better performance measurement with smartwatches and GPS watches that can measure virtually everything you do during a day.
This can help optimize training and recovery to ensure the best possible preparation for races. But did you know that in the future, digital twin technology could also help you find the best running shoes for your specific needs by 3D scanning your feet?
Case study – Bill Quinn
TCN recently featured a case study following Bill Quinn’s journey towards the Chicago Marathon where he enlists the help of a digital twin in his preparation.
Bill Quinn’s digital twin tracks everything from his sleep habits and diet to his training sessions. Using smart gadgets such as a smartwatch to measure heart rate and distance, an activity bracelet to track recovery and a glucose meter to track blood sugar levels, he collects data around the clock.
All the information is then analyzed by generative AI – a kind of elite personal trainer.
The digital twin can identify patterns in Bill’s data and make tailored recommendations. Maybe he needs to run longer, eat more carbs or improve his running technique?
The digital twin has answers to all this and more. But it doesn’t stop there. The technology is even being used to find the perfect running shoes by 3D scanning Bill’s feet and making recommendations that both maximize performance and reduce the risk of injury.
Nanotechnology: the next step in training development
Bill is also looking ahead to the next technological leap: nanotechnology. Imagine microscopic robots injected into your body and monitoring your biological functions in real time. These ‘nanobots’ could detect problems before they even occur and even deliver medicine directly to the affected area.
With nanotechnology, Bill’s digital twin would not just be a passive observer, but an active participant in his health and exercise. The twin would be able to adjust the exercise schedule based on the body’s response and even relieve pain in real time. The future of fitness and health looks undeniably exciting!
A digital journey towards the marathon goal
Bill’s experiment with the digital twin shows how technology can push the boundaries of human performance. Maybe it’s your own digital twin that will help you reach your goals in the future, whether it’s running a marathon, climbing a mountain or just living a healthier life.
Want to know more about Bill’s journey and follow his path to the Chicago Marathon? Visit the TCS website for the latest updates and to read more about how digital twins can change the way we train and live.
TCS is not only committed to developing digital twins. The company is also the title sponsor and technology partner of some of the world’s biggest long-distance races, including the TCS New York Marathon, TCS London Marathon, and TCS Amsterdam Marathon. With their technical expertise, they help runners around the world reach their goals and improve their performance.
So who knows? The next time you lace up your running shoes, your digital twin might already have a plan to beat your personal best. The future is here, and it’s running faster than ever!