Plantiga Technologies: Revolutionizing Movement Analytics for Rehabilitation and Injury Prevention
Plantiga Technologies, based in Vancouver, is transforming movement analytics with an innovative AI-powered sensor pod designed to enhance rehabilitation and minimize injury risks. This cutting-edge device can be seamlessly embedded into shoes, orthotics, or insoles, allowing for real-time analysis of users' movement patterns.
Quin Sandler, co-founder and CEO, initiated Plantiga as a side project with his father, Norman McKay, in 2017. Tragically, just two weeks after they initiated a proof-of-concept project with the Seattle Mariners and LA Lakers, McKay passed away due to aggressive prostate cancer. This loss occurred while Plantiga was participating in the Creative Destruction Lab's accelerator program.
Sandler recalls how his father, a veteran in gait labs, envisioned a way to revolutionize health monitoring by creating a gait lab within a shoe. “This would open up tremendous opportunities for diverse populations,” he explains. To honor his father, Plantiga’s AI movement coach is aptly named Norman.
The Arc5 pod can record movement data for up to 12 hours, providing health professionals—ranging from foot doctors to sports team specialists—with insights into users' biomechanics. The company emphasizes that “movement is a biomarker for human health,” as it can forecast rehabilitation outcomes, assess injury and fall risks, track disease progression, and optimize athletic performance.
“Our advanced models learn individual movement patterns over just four to five sessions, enabling us to detect deviations from their baseline,” Sandler notes. “Our AI not only tracks movement but also identifies areas for improvement, evaluates limb strength, and delivers tailored suggestions.”
Plantiga faces a significant challenge: accurately measuring biomechanics in real-world environments—a task that remains complex even in today’s era of quantified self-technology. Unlike conventional wearable devices that monitor specific body metrics like heart rate, Plantiga’s sensor pod, featuring IoT technology, can fit into “any type of footwear” to capture “ecologically relevant movement” across various settings—be it in the gym, on the field, or anywhere in between—without the need for cameras, cables, or additional sensors, Sandler elaborates.
Currently, Plantiga serves around 90 clients, including elite athletes across NBA, MLB, MLS, NFL, NHL, and NCAA teams, as well as physical therapists, coaches, surgeons, and athletic trainers, among others. The company is poised to tap into the broader consumer market—a vast opportunity, considering that the global sports tech market is projected to grow to $55.14 billion by 2030, up from $14.72 billion in 2023. Additionally, the global wearable tech sector is expected to reach $186.14 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate of 14.6% from 2023.
Plantiga is also collaborating with major footwear brands for co-development, licensing, and distribution, further expanding its reach. Notable investors include Radical Ventures, Vanedge Capital, and angel investors like Haig Farris and Barney Pell.
Looking ahead, Plantiga is currently seeking additional funding, though Sandler hasn't disclosed specifics on the amount. With a team of nine employees, the company anticipates achieving profitability within the next six months.
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