US innovation hub in the works for ASICS
Japan-based athletic footwear and apparel group ASICS is to develop a new research hub in the US.
It will work with the University of Michigan to set up the ASICS Institute of Sports Science America. This will involve a joint research programme at the university’s campus in Ann Arbor.
There will be a dedicated sports lab on campus, which, the partners have said, will serve as “a hub for advanced research in biomechanics, exercise physiology, AI-driven design, and bioengineering”.
ASICS is committing $25 million to the project, which it said was part of a wider commitment to “human-centric science”. The company said its vision is grounded in a deep understanding of the human body and movement, leveraging advanced materials and structural design to maximise human potential through sport.
It has also said consistently that it wants the insights it gains to benefit people everywhere, not just elite athletes.
