The world of competitive sports is evolving rapidly, and nothing illustrates this better than the recent kickboxing match in Hangzhou, China, featuring two humanoid robots. These mechanical athletes, controlled remotely by skilled operators, engaged in a thrilling display of agility and precision. As they traded blows in the ring, it became clear that the future of combat sports may involve more than just human competitors. This event signifies a remarkable intersection of technology and athletics, demonstrating the potential for artificial intelligence (AI) to transform traditional sports.

The Rise of Humanoid Robots in Sports

Humanoid robots are not entirely new to the athletic scene, but their recent foray into combat sports marks a significant milestone. The event in Hangzhou showcased two slender, bipedal robots engaging in a dynamic match of kickboxing. Despite their thin frames, these robots delivered powerful punches, kicks, and knee strikes, captivating the audience with their performance. What makes this event particularly noteworthy is that it is the first of its kind, where humanoid robots are the main attraction in a combat sport setting. The audience watched in awe as the robots stumbled and fell but swiftly rose to continue the bout, demonstrating resilience and agility akin to human athletes.

While the robots themselves are impressive, it’s important to note that they are still reliant on human operators. These robots do not yet have the capability to act autonomously in the ring, as each move is orchestrated by a team of remote operators. This blend of human skill and robotic prowess represents the current state of AI integration in sports, highlighting both the advancements and limitations of technology in this field.

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Technological Advances Driving Sports Innovation

The integration of AI and robotics into sports is fueled by rapid technological advancements. These humanoid robots are equipped with sophisticated sensors and actuators, enabling them to perform complex movements required in combat sports. The development of such robots involves interdisciplinary collaboration, combining expertise from robotics, AI, and sports science. This collaboration is essential for enhancing the robots’ performance, allowing them to mimic human movements more accurately.

Moreover, this event underscores the potential of AI to revolutionize traditional sports. As technology continues to evolve, we may see further incorporation of AI not only in combat sports but across various athletic disciplines. The implications are vast, ranging from improved training methods for human athletes to the creation of entirely new sports that challenge both human and robotic participants. The fusion of AI and sports promises to push the boundaries of what is possible, offering a glimpse into a future where technology and athletics are inextricably linked.

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Implications for the Future of Competitive Sports

The introduction of humanoid robots into the realm of combat sports raises intriguing questions about the future of competitions. Will robots eventually compete independently, without human intervention? How will this shift impact the perception and popularity of traditional sports? As these technologies develop, they may pave the way for entirely new genres of sports that blend human and robotic elements. The excitement surrounding these events could attract new audiences, broadening the appeal of sports to tech enthusiasts and younger generations.

Furthermore, the integration of AI in sports could lead to enhanced safety protocols, as robots can be designed to minimize injury risks during competitions. This aspect is particularly relevant in contact sports, where athlete safety is a paramount concern. As AI continues to advance, it will be crucial to address ethical considerations, such as ensuring fair competition and maintaining the integrity of sportsmanship. The balance between human and machine in sports will likely be a topic of ongoing debate as the landscape of competitive athletics evolves.

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China’s Role in AI and Robotics Development

The event in Hangzhou highlights China’s growing influence in the field of AI and robotics. The country has invested heavily in these technologies, aiming to become a global leader in innovation. The development of humanoid robots for sports is just one facet of China’s broader strategy to integrate AI into various sectors, including military applications. Recently, China announced the construction of a giant quadruped military robot, signaling its commitment to advancing robotic capabilities.

This focus on AI and robotics positions China at the forefront of technological innovation, with implications extending beyond sports. As China continues to push the boundaries of what is possible with AI, it sets the stage for international competition in technology development. The outcomes of these advancements will shape not only the future of sports but also the broader landscape of AI applications worldwide.

The introduction of humanoid robots into combat sports is a testament to the rapid progress of AI and robotics. As technology continues to evolve, it will be fascinating to see how these developments influence the future of sports and beyond. Will we see a day where robots and humans compete side by side on equal footing? How will these innovations reshape our understanding of competition and athleticism in the years to come?

Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article.

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LONDON, June 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — International Game Technology PLC (NYSE: IGT) announced today that it recently signed a new, three-year sports betting technology agreement with Boyd Gaming Corporation. Under the terms of the agreement, IGT’s award-winning PlaySports platform will continue powering Boyd Gaming’s retail and mobile sports betting offering in Nevada through August 2028. The new agreement builds on IGT and Boyd Gaming’s long-standing sports betting technology partnership that started in 2018.

“Boyd Gaming is pleased to announce our decision to continue powering our retail and mobile sportsbooks in Nevada with IGT PlaySports technology,” said Bob Scucci, Vice President of Race & Sports Operations for Boyd Gaming. “As the core technology of our sports betting offering in Nevada, IGT PlaySports’ platform enables us to evolve Boyd Sports in ways that deliver incremental value to our players and seamlessly scale our offering to address new business opportunities.”

“IGT PlaySports looks forward to continuing our close partnership with Boyd Gaming in Nevada for three additional years and helping them engage players across channels in the most mature, competitive sports betting market in the U.S.,” said Joe Bertolone, IGT SVP of Sports Betting. “IGT PlaySports continues to invest in and grow our footprint in Nevada. The performance, reliability and scalability of our technology stack and self-service betting technologies ensure our customers benefit from the most comprehensive B2B solution in North America.”

In addition to using the IGT PlaySports platform, Boyd Gaming will continue to offer IGT’s PlaySports Kiosks at its 10 retail betting locations across Nevada.

IGT PlaySports technology also powers retail sportsbooks at Boyd Gaming-owned casinos in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. IGT PlaySports was named “Sportsbook Platform Provider of the Year” at the 2024 EGR North America Awards. For more information, visit IGT.com, or follow IGT PlaySports on LinkedIn.

About IGT
IGT (NYSE: IGT) is a global leader in gaming. We deliver entertaining and responsible gaming experiences for players across all channels and regulated segments, from Lotteries and Gaming Machines to Sports Betting and Digital. Leveraging a wealth of compelling content, substantial investment in innovation, player insights, operational expertise, and leading-edge technology, our solutions deliver unrivaled gaming experiences that engage players and drive growth. We have a well-established local presence and relationships with governments and regulators in more than 100 jurisdictions around the world, and create value by adhering to the highest standards of service, integrity, and responsibility. IGT has approximately 11,000 employees. For more information, please visit www.igt.com.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This news release may contain forward-looking statements (including within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) concerning International Game Technology PLC and its consolidated subsidiaries (the “Company”) and other matters. These statements may discuss goals, intentions, and expectations as to future plans, trends, events, products and services, customer relationships, results of operations, or financial condition, or otherwise, including the various environmental, social, governance and sustainability initiatives, based on current beliefs of the management of the Company as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, such management. Forward-looking statements may be accompanied by words such as “aim,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “plan,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “shall,” “continue,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “future,” “guidance,” “intend,” “may,” “will,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project” or the negative or other variations of them. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which such statements are made and are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside the Company’s control. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any of the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may differ materially from those predicted in the forward-looking statements and from past results, performance, or achievements. Therefore, you should not place undue reliance on such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include (but are not limited to) the factors and risks described in the Company’s annual report on Form 20-F for the financial year ended December 31, 2024 and other documents led from time to time with the SEC, which are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and on the investor relations section of the Company’s website at www.IGT.com. Except as required under applicable law, the Company does not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements. You should carefully consider these factors and other risks and uncertainties that affect the Company’s business. All forward-looking statements contained in this news release are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. All subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to International Game Technology PLC, or persons acting on its behalf, are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

Contact:
Phil O’Shaughnessy, Global Communications, toll free in U.S./Canada +1 (844) IGT-7452; outside U.S./Canada +1 (775) 448-0257
Matteo Selva, Italian media inquiries, +39 366 6803635
James Hurley, Investor Relations, +1 (401) 392-7190

© 2025 IGT

The trademarks and/or service marks used herein are either trademarks or registered trademarks of IGT, its affiliates or its licensors.

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SOURCE International Game Technology PLC

Snap Fitness taps Spren’s AI coaching and smartphone-based scanning tech to engage the 90% of members without trainers

Spren, a fitness tech company specializing in smartphone-based, DEXA-accurate body scans and AI-powered coaching, has partnered with Snap Fitness to bring its platform to more than 1,100 gyms worldwide.

News of the partnership was first shared in a recent episode of The Future of Fitness, an industry podcast hosted by Eric Malzone.

The rollout will allow members to access real-time body composition analysis directly from their phones, alongside adaptive nutrition plans and AI-driven coaching.

The partnership aims to solve a persistent challenge in the fitness industry: the 90% of members who don’t work with personal trainers. By embedding Spren’s AI coaching and body scan capabilities directly into the gym experience (without requiring new hardware) the platform creates new engagement opportunities both inside and outside the gym. The body composition analysis takes just under two minutes, and members can receive personalized nutrition targets and training suggestions while gym operators gain new tools for upselling and retention. Trainers can even scale their influence by creating custom AI personas.

According to Spren, data suggests the offering can increase member visit frequency , boost retention, activate more personal training clients and improve lead conversion by up to 23%.

See Also

Beyond its collaboration with Spren, Snap Fitness also recently relaunched its BeneFIT program, offering its members health and wellness-related perks and discounts through a new partnership with Endurance Zone, a member engagement and loyalty platform for the sports and fitness industry.

Thank you to CoHost for renewing your support. CoHost helps publish your podcast on all listening platforms, and has audience insights that tell you the demographics, interests and habits of your audience. It’s companies like CoHost that keep Podnews free for everyone; you can join them by supporting us here.

Moves and hires

• Andy Rogers, formerly Senior Director, Business Development & Partnerships at Libsyn, is “now a free agent”, he tells us, and is available for work. He’d been at Libsyn for four and a half years.

The Tech Stuff – with RSS.com

The Podnews Daily podcast uses both websub and podping to announce that we have a new episode available, as soon as we publish. So, as a fun timing experiment, how quickly did those new episodes get onto podcast apps?

On iPhone, we set a notification to appear for each new episode on both Pocket Casts and Apple Podcasts. Here’s when those notifications came in (local time):

May 30: Pocket Casts: 22:50. Apple: 23:04.

May 31: Pocket Casts: 20:28. Apple: 20:43.

Jun 2: Pocket Casts: 20:57. Apple: 21:07.

Jun 5: Pocket Casts: 19:49. Apple: 19:56.

Jun 6: Pocket Casts: 19:30. Apple: 19:41.

Jun 10: Pocket Casts: 21:29. Apple: 21:47.

Jun 11: Pocket Casts: 21:26. Apple: 21:39.

In all the examples above, it took Pocket Casts less than ninety seconds from us publishing the show on open RSS to send us a notification. Apple Podcasts was consistently later: anything from ten to 18 minutes late.

Our RSS stats for last Friday show that Pocket Casts grabs our RSS feed every 17 minutes, while Apple grabs it every 5 minutes – more than three times more.

This isn’t a fair test for a number of reasons; as a daily podcast, we’re polled more often than a weekly one; notifications aren’t a reliable indicator for when a new show is playable in the app; etc. But, if it’s of interest, Apple Podcasts doesn’t use websub or podping, to the best of our knowledge, while Pocket Casts uses both.

• Did OP3 go down at the end of last week, during the Big Google Outage that appeared to knock almost everything off the internet? John Spurlock would like us to know that no, it didn’t.

• Podcasters using 11ty to produce their static websites might like Podcaster, an Eleventy plugin, which produces RSS feeds, so you can host your own audio too.

• There’s a tag in the original RSS 2.0 specification. As of now, the New Podcasts podcast feed uses it, because it’s ideal to link back to the original feed that the trailer comes from.

Tips and tricks – with Memberful

Podcast News – with Podcast Movement

The Medley is a talk show hosted by an autistic media personality Blake “Crash” Priddle featuring intimate conversations with all kinds of aspiring people from across the arts and entertainment industry as well as folks that have inspiring stories to tell. What makes this show special is you will find guests that you won’t find on another other podcast.







Find more podcasts, and add your show

By BERNARD CONDON, Associated Press

NEW YORK  — The Trump family said it is licensing its name to a new mobile phone service, the latest in a string of ventures that have been announced while Donald Trump is in the White House despite ethical concerns that the U.S. president could mold public policy for personal gain.

Eric Trump, one of President Donald Trump’s sons running The Trump Organization, said the new venture called, Trump Mobile, will sell phones that will be built in the U.S., and the phone service will maintain a call center in the country as well.

The brand’s body scanning device and other technological innovations are must-haves in this new age of fitness featuring GLP-1s

The GLP-1 boom is still sending ripples and waves throughout the fitness industry — and while the weight loss drugs represent an exciting medical breakthrough — they also have fitness professionals asking users to only take them once well-informed. 

With visible weight loss being the primary objective for most GLP-1 users, their rapid progress toward that goal and the excitement stemming from it sometimes blankets other health issues brewing below the surface. Of those, nutritional deficiencies or muscle loss represent primary concerns. 

But Evolt, the Australian health tech company, is stepping in to alleviate them, seemingly at no better time. Evolt 360, the brand’s body composition scanner which measures lean muscle mass and fat via bioimpedance technology, is an ideal tool for anyone looking to use GLP-1 medications safely and effectively. 

By tracking skeletal muscle mass, fat composition and body fat distribution, and creating individual macronutrient profiles to better understand proper protein, carb and fat intake, the device is the guide all GLP-1 users need right now — a surfboard to ride those waves, rather than crash under them. 

“I think it’s a great time for gyms to do more personalized training programs, specifically for the GLP-1 user population, creating specialized fitness and nutrition programs for these individuals, and understanding how the drugs affect metabolism and appetite,” said Evolt co-founder and CEO Ed Zouroudis. “There’s an opportunity there utilizing Evolt, being that duty of care.”

Challenges at Hand

By stimulating certain receptors in the brain, GLP-1s have the potential to make users feel “full” even if they’re not. It’s beneficial in some cases, but detrimental in others. 

“It’s suppressing their appetite so they aren’t getting enough calories,” said Zouroudis. “People are losing all their skeletal muscle mass and becoming reliant on medications for weight loss.”

With individuals not getting enough calories, that can set up a chain reaction which keeps individuals further and further away from the gym arguably when they need it the most. 

“A lot of people have low energy because they’re not eating right,” said Evolt co-founder Kelly Weideman. “If you’re not eating enough, you have low energy and then you don’t feel like training.”

Evolt’s body scanner is the kind of tool gyms or fitness studios need to interrupt that harmful cycle. 

“People are going to take these medications,” said Zouroudis. “We know that a lot of gym goers already are utilizing GLP-1s. So the big thing is to make sure they scan and are monitoring the actual weight loss. What is the body dropping in regards to weight? Is it body fat and water or muscle mass as well? With any amount of weight loss reduction, you are going to lose a particular amount of skeletal muscle mass — but we want to minimize that. So one of the objectives by scanning is to make sure you’re maintaining skeletal muscle.” 

Education is a Priority

Evolt also has a team of experts well-versed in GLP-1s available for gyms and trainers interested in learning more about the medications. It’s an essential element of Evolt’s mission beyond helping GLP-1 users immediately with a scan.

“We want to make sure you’re learning how many pounds or kilos of skeletal muscle mass and visceral fat you have — but we also want to educate the end-user on what that means,” said Weideman. “What is muscle? Why is it important? Why do I always want to maintain or increase it? A lot of people don’t know that. We’re giving them the metrics but also that next step of education.”

That’s largely accomplished with the Evolt Active App, which links with the body scanner to provide personalized insights and help users track progress over time. It also houses educational articles on health and wellness. Additional educational content is continuously pushed out across Evolt’s social media channels as well. 

“We also have the Evolt Learning Hub for all the trainers,” Zouroudis added. “They can become a certified body composition specialist through the education platform. There are modules for trainers to understand body composition and the effects of these weight loss drugs within the training programs.”

Nutrition

That mission also extends with Evolt’s focus on nutrition between scans. The brand curates individualized macronutrient profiles for users which instruct them on how much daily protein, carbohydrates, and fat they should consume with respect to their body composition and goals.

See Also

The brand also provides users with supplement and vitamin recommendations to help them safely pursue their health goals more effectively. 

“The big advantage with Evolt over our competitors is the individualized macronutrient profile — understanding what your calorie intake should be for your desired goal,” said Zouroudis. “If you can’t hit that with food because of the appetite being suppressed, that’s where supplementation plays a major part.”

Success Examples 

Now that GLP-1s have already established themselves as key elements within the modern health and fitness scene, Evolt’s been quick to follow as that necessary tool to make sure they’re being used advantageously. That’s led to an abundance of success stories already.

“We’ve seen many instances where people have been able to rectify mistakes,” said Zouroudis. “They’ll take the medication and later see that they’re running off the rails. If they are losing skeletal muscle mass, they then tweak the program to up their protein and the resistance training protocol to increase that muscle gain.”

Some even predate the GLP-1 explosion.

“This is the foundation of how Evolt started,” said Zouroudis. “I was training several world champion athletes, mainly the fighters or kickboxers. Nobody lives and breathes weight-cutting more than a professional fighter. As they were dropping weight, it was very important to make sure they maintained skeletal muscle mass and just lost body fat.

“It’s similar 10 years forward with the exposure of these weight loss drugs where we’re looking to identify the same issue,” he added. “We want to make sure that if they are dropping the weight, they are monitoring the actual weight loss.”