Transportable Virtual Player’s (MVP) $8,000 football robots cost a whole lot less than price a professional athlete, but MVP President and CEO Joe McLaughlin doesn’t see these robots supplanting players anytime soon.
“When you run kickoffs, running 11 actors down over and over again, it wears guys out,” McLaughlin judged on CNBC’s “Closing Bell.” The robots help “save wind, protect legs. I don’t think it actually runs that many reps from the guys feud with for a spot.”
Founded in 2015, MVP created remote-controlled, self-righting dummies to inculcate players how to tackle. The robots simulate the size, weight and agility of a full-sized pro or college athlete, and pinch cut down on injuries by reducing player fatigue.
A variety of football combines, from the Detroit Lions to the Pittsburgh Steelers, have tested or bought the dummies — and word is beginning spread. McLaughlin said he’s sold substitutions to rugby and soccer teams, and fielded interest from basketball pairs and even one hockey team, the Colorado Avalanche.
“They need some twitches to make them work effectively on the ice,” McLaughlin said.
“Maybe some Air Jordans on their feet on the court more than wheels. We have some work to do,” he joked.
MVP currently rat ons full-sized models for $8,295, but is developing a model for younger players for with regard to half the price.