Rithmio

Rithmio operated as a specialized technology firm focused on gesture recognition software for wearable devices. The company was founded in 2013 by Adam Tilton and his former professor, Dr. Prashant Mehta, originating from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The idea was born from Tilton's Ph.D. research, which initially focused on tracking algorithms for missiles and satellites, and was later pivoted to address the burgeoning wearables market after attending a conference in 2013.

The core of Rithmio's business was a software platform that provided developers with the tools to integrate advanced motion recognition into their products, such as smartwatches and fitness trackers. Unlike standard trackers that could only identify simple activities like walking or running, Rithmio's technology was designed to learn and distinguish complex and nuanced user-specific exercises, such as different types of weightlifting or specific athletic movements. This was achieved through a complex algorithm that could be trained in seconds to recognize new gestures, track repetitions, and analyze form. The business model centered on licensing its software development kit (SDK) to consumer electronics companies and fitness brands to be embedded into their hardware and applications.

Throughout its operation, Rithmio secured significant funding, accumulating a total of $4.24 million over three rounds from investors including Intel Capital, KGC Capital, and Illinois Ventures. A key milestone was the launch of its own Android application, Rithmio EDGE, in 2016, which showcased the technology's capabilities for tracking workouts for athletes and weightlifters. The company also collaborated with the U.S. Paralympic team, developing a specific application called Cadence Counter to help wheelchair athletes train more effectively for the Rio 2016 Games. Despite these developments, Rithmio ceased operations toward the end of 2016. The company's assets were subsequently acquired by Bosch Sensortec.

Keywords: gesture recognition software, motion recognition, wearable technology, fitness tracking, motion sensing, machine learning platform, smart wearables, activity tracking, connected clothing, gesture-based products, workout tracking, motion analytics, sensor data, exercise recognition, athletic performance, sports technology, SDK for wearables, embedded software, movement analysis, Bosch Sensortec acquisition