A deep dive into ASICS’ innovative approach to personalized footwear using cutting-edge technology from design to additive manufacturing
The Dynamic Evolution of Sportswear
The sportswear industry is a booming market, with revenues expected to surpass $164 billion in 2023. Catering to this vast market is a complex task, involving mass production and the ability to address individual needs. ASICS, a leader in athletic footwear, is pioneering a new approach to meet these diverse requirements by introducing a personalization studio at Dassault Systèmes’ campus. This initiative aims to combine advanced technologies like 3D printing and custom modeling to offer unique products tailored to individual consumers.
“We dream of providing our personalization product to all consumers.”
Shingo TAKASHIMA, Manager, Virtual Twin Research Team, Future Creation Dept., ASICS
The Concept of ASICS Personalization Studio
ASICS has a long-standing commitment to delivering functional shoes tailored to athletes’ needs. The company’s latest venture takes this commitment a step further by aiming to provide personalized products to every consumer. This requires innovative technologies and fresh ideas, which is why ASICS has collaborated with Dassault Systèmes to bring their vision to life.
The studio leverages additive manufacturing, cutting-edge production technologies, and advanced 3D modeling. This collaboration has been in the works for over five years, focusing on achieving a seamless transition from mass production to personalized manufacturing.
Advanced Collaboration with CATIA
Personalization presents unique challenges, particularly in automation and collaboration. To create custom insoles, ASICS uses our 3D modeling software CATIA. The journey involves several intricate steps, from the foot scan to the finished insole.
“We need a very robust and fast automatic process on the platform.”
Genki HATANO, Lead Researcher, Green Manufacturing Research Team, Future Creation Dept., ASICS
The Technology Behind Personalization
The process begins with capturing the foot shape using a custom-developed mobile phone application. This data is then input into CATIA 3DEXPERIENCE, where it undergoes a series of transformations to convert the foot shape from a deformed, standing shape to an undeformed, neutral shape, using a design parametric application with algorithm, called Visual Scripting in CATIA. This approach allows ASICS to design insoles with more flexibility and alternative patterns that support the foot during movement, rather than merely replicating its shape.
The final insole design is created using CATIA Lattice Design, based on a highly sensitive lattice structure that requires precise control over thickness. Even a 0.1-millimeter change can significantly impact the insole’s function and feel. This level of detail is achieved through CATIA’s Visual Scripting capabilities, which, on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing among team members.
Each step of Manufacturing process is meticulously monitored and controlled using DELMIA Apriso, ensuring a consistent and high-quality output.
Sustainability and Future Goals
ASICS is not only focused on personalization but also on sustainability. The company aims to create personalized products in an environmentally friendly manner. To foster sustainable innovation by automating lifecycle assessment studies at early design stage, Eco Designer role provides a precise and live representation of the material composition of any configured virtual twin and calculates the environmental footprint for each product. This commitment to sustainability aligns with ASICS’ broader vision of promoting a sound mind, body, and environment.
“Personalization and sustainability are a very important combination.”
Genki HATANO, Lead Researcher, Green Manufacturing Research Team, Future Creation Dept., ASICS
ASICS plans to expand this technology beyond insoles to create entire shoes for each individual. By collecting data and feedback from users, ASICS and Dassault Systèmes aim to continually improve their methods and accelerate the project.
The Road Ahead
The ASICS Personalization Studio is just the beginning. The collaboration with Dassault Systèmes will continue to evolve, incorporating virtual twin technology to further refine and enhance the personalization process. This partnership holds the promise of transforming the future of sportswear, making personalized, sustainable products accessible to all.
“We would like to collect the data and get the feedback from users to improve our method to the next level.”
Genki HATANO, Lead Researcher, Green Manufacturing Research Team, Future Creation Dept., ASICS
ASICS’ innovative approach to personalized footwear is set to revolutionize the sportswear industry. By leveraging advanced 3D modeling, printing technologies, and a commitment to sustainability, ASICS aims to offer unique, high-quality products tailored to individual needs. This initiative not only addresses the complexities of mass production but also paves the way for a more sustainable future in sportswear.
Discover the future of personalized sportswear with ASICS and CATIA. Explore the innovative technologies behind the ASICS Personalization Studio and experience the perfect fit tailored just for you.
Want to know more about Visual Scripting and Lattice Design? Check out our introductions and webinars on the topic below:
- Visual Scripting introduction
- Visual Scripting webinar
- Lattice Design introduction
- Lattice Design webinar
And continue the discussion by joining our CATIA Creative Design & Styling community, to access tutorials, best practices, and exchange with experts and peers!
