What's Happening?
ASICS, in collaboration with the University of Michigan, has opened the AMSI Lab, its first industry-academia research and development laboratory. Located on the university's Ann Arbor campus, this lab is part of the broader ASICS Michigan Sport Innovation
Center (AMSI) joint research program. The AMSI Lab aims to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world sport innovation, focusing on running performance, footwear, and apparel. University researchers will work alongside ASICS scientists, product developers, and athletes to prototype, test, and refine new ideas. The initiative represents a $25 million commitment from ASICS and is supported by ASICS Institute of Sport Science America LLC (ISS America), the company's first U.S. research entity. This collaboration will connect research conducted in Michigan with ASICS' global R&D network, including its headquarters in Kobe, Japan. Research findings from AMSI Lab are expected to influence new ASICS products by 2028.
Why It's Important?
This partnership signifies a significant investment in sports science and innovation within the U.S., particularly in the Ann Arbor region. By combining ASICS' Human Centric Science approach with the University of Michigan's multidisciplinary expertise in science, engineering, and design, the lab is poised to accelerate advancements in athletic performance technology. This collaboration could lead to the development of cutting-edge running footwear, apparel, and performance technologies that benefit athletes at all levels. For the University of Michigan, it provides researchers with practical applications for their work and opportunities to address real-world performance challenges. For ASICS, it establishes a direct pipeline from academic discovery and athlete insights to product development, enhancing its competitive edge in the global sports market. The presence of ISS America also strengthens ASICS' research footprint in the U.S., fostering local talent and innovation.
What's Next?
The AMSI Lab has already partnered with six faculty members who will initiate projects covering biomechanics, materials science, robotics, design, computer vision, and athlete preferences and behavior. These projects include using computer vision for real-world measurement of runners' movement, studying animal locomotion for specialized terrain footwear, applying kirigami-based designs for novel shoe structures, and exploring 3D fabrics for personalized fit. Athletes will provide real-world feedback throughout the research process, utilizing the diverse running community in southeast Michigan for testing. The research is expected to inform new ASICS running and performance products by 2028, with additional concepts and applications developing over time. This ongoing collaboration will likely lead to a continuous stream of innovations, impacting the future of sports equipment and athletic performance.
Beyond the Headlines
The establishment of the AMSI Lab highlights a growing trend of industry-academia partnerships, where companies leverage university research capabilities to drive innovation. This model not only benefits the companies by providing access to cutting-edge research and talent but also offers universities opportunities for funding, practical application of research, and real-world impact. Ethically, the focus on 'Human Centric Science' suggests a commitment to understanding and improving human performance, which could have broader implications for health and well-being beyond elite athletes. The multidisciplinary approach, integrating fields like biomechanics, materials science, and computer vision, underscores the complex nature of modern product development and the need for diverse expertise. This collaboration could also serve as a blueprint for other industries seeking to accelerate innovation through similar partnerships.
