Paris, France -- (ReleaseWire) -- 02/07/2017 --Embarking on a new step in an already fruitful partnership, the two French brands PIQ and Rossignol have now created the first-ever 'connected ski' – The new product integrates a PIQ ROBOT(TM) artificial intelligence device in the mythic Rossignol Hero Master ski.

PIQ and Rossignol are announcing the world premiere of this truly disruptive innovation at the ISPO 2017 and will be demonstrating a working prototype at their respective booths. The Rossignol Hero Master prototype, the first of its kind in the world, will be embedded with the GAIA Intelligence — the first Artificial Intelligence system that autonomously analyzes sports motions.

The world-premiere of the 'connected ski'

The PIQ ROBOT(TM) nano-computer — now embedded within the Rossignol Hero Master — is bound to revolutionize the skiing experience thanks to a LED display right that appears in front of the ski binding. Thanks to this new technology smartly embedded in already advanced sport equipment, the skier can now get all of the GAIA intelligence in real-time.

GAIA, the first Artificial Intelligence system that autonomously analyzes sports motions in real-time, utilizes advanced algorithms to analyze movement in real-time and is able to deliver information directly to the skier on the screen and its EZ-reading gauges — even while he or she is cruising down the mountain.

The multi-algorithmic machine-learning intelligence featured in Rossignol and PIQ is the result of both fundamental and applied research. As a result of PIQ's relentless innovation, the technology is now able to understand and analyze microscopic variations in skiing movements.

Specifically, the PIQ ROBOT(TM) embedded in the Hero Master is able to measure the skier's speed, their angulation in turns, their explosivity in transitions from one edge to the other, as well as the G-Force in every turn, among many other metrics.

The Hero Master is a super-charged racing weapon. Featuring real-deal World Cup race room construction, the Hero Master is the reference on the market for its control, superior power transfer, and rock-solid stability. Therefore, this model was perfectly suited to embed the PIQ ROBOT(TM)

Rossignol and PIQ are now moving forward to a new step in their partnership by integrating their respective technologies in one single product.

Cédric Mangaud, CEO of PIQ Sport Intelligence states "Since the founding of PIQ, we've always had that vision of embedding PIQ directly in the skier's gear to give them the best experience possible. Thanks to the work of our two teams, we're now extremely proud to unveil today at ISPO what is truly a breakthrough innovation with the world's first connected ski."

"With this technology, Rossignol is now the world's first manufacturer to create a connected ski. This is a new step for our sport and Rossignol is pushing the envelope," states François Benaben, VP Sales, Marketing, and Communication of Rossignol. "The integration of the PIQ ROBOTTM in our skis could significantly enrich the skiing experience and allow our users to better understand and analyze their performance."

About Rossignol
Rossignol, since 1907 Rossignol has been the iconic brand for winter sports. Rossignol designs and produces a wide array of hi-tech equipment and clothing both for mateurs and experts in Alpine skiing, Nordic skiing and Snowboarding. Rossignol can draw strength from its unique expertise, its long tradition of breaking new ground and its close relationship with the greatest champions to mastermind a full range of hi-tech products.Our vision of winter sports is focused on the intense joy that comes from skiing or snowboarding, and the shared pleasure of experiencing unforgettable moments. The Rossignol brand is promising to give all skiers "Another Best Day", to ensure that everyone's time in the mountains is as enjoyable and rewarding as possible, where the mountain is seen as a never-ending source of great thrills and intense pleasure.

About PIQ Sport Intelligence
Cedric Mangaud and Ongan Mordeniz form the explosive duo behind PIQ Sport Intelligence. Cédric and Ongan are both whiz kids in the tech industry, and true sport fans. Before PIQ, Cédric used to manage the Added Values Services at HTC group where he was on the Management Board. Before joining HTC, Cédric was the founder and CEO of Abaxia, a company specialized in mobile software, twice crowned leader in its market. Ongan was VP of Values Added Services at HTC group. Before joining HTC, Ongan used to manage near-shore R&D sites in Belarus for companies he held shares in. Since its creation, PIQ has raised €13m from Taiwanese Foxconn (FIH Mobile Ltd), Ginko Ventures, Orkos Capital, Swisscom and Almaz Capital. PIQ employs today 67 people.

About ISPO
Every year, more than 2,600 international exhibitors present their latest products from the segments of Outdoor, Ski, Action, Performance Sports, Textrends, Health & Fitness and Sourcing at ISPO MUNICH to over 80,000 visitors from 110 countries. For over 45 years the global leader has provided a comprehensive overview of the entire range of sporting goods, athletic footwear and fashions, as well as the latest trends from these segments. Year for year the custom-tailored trade show concept with special communities and authentic side events guarantees a very unique, personalized and communication-rich atmosphere. As the only multi-segment trade show the event also offers its participants an opportunity to discover discipline-overlapping synergy and cross-selling potential, as well as recognize new segments and trends in advance. Thanks to close cooperation with the industry ISPO can identify market requirements and offers international sports business professionals the best possible presentation and networking platform at ISPO MUNICH.