Artificial intelligence is taking over the world, one device at a time. This time it's in skateboards.
XTND is a startup that is working on a smart skateboard that is aimed at lessening the perceived risks connected to the sport or activity. Founder and CEO of XTND, Miroslav Perina said that the company's goal is to make skateboards "better on every level" and they are not stopping on just making the boards "thinner or lighter."
To do that, XTND is utilizing artificial intelligence. The AI-integrated skateboard will help the skateboarder to become better in riding the device. This is made possible by the AI's ability to collect data every time the user goes skateboarding. The AI will fashion its settings according to the boarder's style. The tech then allows the user to improve his or her form with the help of the gathered data.
People new to skateboarding will definitely benefit from this technology. The artificial intelligence will make it easier for beginners to learn the fundamentals of skateboarding. Digital Trends said that the electric skateboard will not move if the skater is having difficulty standing on the board properly. If the user falls off while skateboarding, the board will stop. This feature prevents the board from endangering the skateboarder and others while also avoiding running into traffic. New Atlas also reported that the AI can prevent "speed wobbles."
XTND is also promoting the AI-powered skateboard as a travel companion. The smart board can track the routes that the user regularly skates through. Using this data, the device can also trace alternative routes to make skateboarding from point A to point B a lot easier and faster. The smart skateboard also comes with integrated lights that turn on automatically when it gets dark.
The XTND skateboard can run for 12.5 miles before it runs out of juice. It can go as fast as 28 mph. The device can be turned on and off using a remote though it goes to sleep mode by itself after being idle for ten minutes.
The Ai-integrated skateboard can be pre-ordered for $1,099 from Kickstarter. While the XTND can be useful for traveling, it may be too expensive to use in a skate park where the boards are subjected to extreme stress while performing flip tricks such as kickflips, ollies, and grinds.
