BoB is a skipping rope designed to remove the need for manual counting during workouts. Skipping is rhythmic and fast-paced, and losing count can interrupt flow and reduce training accuracy. BoB addresses this by automatically tracking each jump, allowing users to stay focused on movement. Rather than changing the experience, it builds on the familiarity of a traditional rope, making it more reliable, engaging, and data-informed.
A piezoelectric sensor is positioned at the midpoint of the rope, registering a voltage spike each time it comes into contact with the ground. This allows BoB to detect individual jumps with precision, translating physical impact directly into countable data.
Two additional sensors are embedded within the handles to measure tension as the rope swings. Different speeds, intensities, and tricks produce distinct tension profiles. Instead of fixed thresholds, the system compares incoming data against a calibrated baseline, improving consistency and reducing false readings while capturing more nuanced movement.
Touch as an Interface
BoB retains the structure of a standard skipping rope, with 3D-printed handles that house the ESP32, Fiberpunk PCB, and battery. An integrated OLED display provides immediate feedback, allowing it to function independently, while BLE connectivity enables further interaction if needed. Beyond counting, the data introduces possibilities for tracking performance, differentiating tricks, and supporting more interactive or rhythm-based training over time.
