Broncos and Rockies Using AI-Powered Technology to Gain an Edge

Earlier this year, the Broncos and Rockies joined a growing number of teams across professional and collegiate sports using an AI-powered weight training platform to help gain an edge on the competition.

Called Perch, the software-enabled gym hardware uses a combination of computer vision and machine learning to quantify weight room performance and enhance an athlete’s motivation, safety, and performance.

The Broncos are one of 13 NFL teams who have to date outfitted their weight room with Perch, while the Rockies are only one of three MLB teams using the technology.

“Perch is used by the world’s most elite athletic organizations to optimize performance, manage fatigue, profile athletes, and quantify daily readiness. For all levels of athletics, from professional to high school, Perch helps you be ready for game day,” said Perch co-founder and CEO Jacob Rothman. “We’re excited to have the Broncos and Rockies as part of the Perch family of users and look forward to helping them keep their players training safely and progressing towards their goals.”

So, what exactly is Perch? And how does it work?

Perch has three components: a 3D camera that fastens or "perches" to any weight rack with Velcro straps, a battery pack, and a tablet. The latter two adhere via a magnet. A player walks up, logs in on the tablet and starts lifting. While they lift, the 3D camera captures and outputs the sets, reps, velocity, and power, culminating in about a dozen different metrics on the table that inform performance. Players and coaches can then access the workout data via a web application to derive insights to performance and monitor how to best approach future workouts.

"Perch solves the problem of athletic load and the inherent risk that comes with it,” said Rothman. “Previously, if a player or a team had a physically taxing game or practice the day before, their strength coach would typically assign a lighter day of lifting. But with Perch, that’s all determined by lift velocity. We're closing that feedback loop, which results in reduced risk of injury and athletes getting stronger, faster."

In addition to its continued expansion throughout the NFL and MLB, Perch has also made its way to the weight rooms of endurance conscious teams across the NBA, NHL, MLS, and NCAA. The company's scope has also expanded to various military bases, fitness and performance facilities, and a growing number of high schools across the country.