Dassault Systèmes and ASICS have opened a studio in Paris to test a new service providing personalised sockliners on-demand.
The products will be personalised for individual foot shape, with 3D printing technology used to produce the sockliners.
The ASICS Personalization Studio is an ultra-compact factory, with a modular structure combining Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform and virtual twin technology with ASICS’ proprietary technology in sports. Together, the partners have said they are offering on-site, on-demand manufacturing of shoe parts to meet the exact specifications of any user.
ASICS will leverage its proprietary know-how, supported by Dassault Systèmes’ modelling and simulation technology, to design the shape of sockliners based on individual foot shape data modelled and simulated on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. Advanced 3D printing technology is then used to create the sockliner, with a thick lattice structure made from a highly flexible material layered to provide ‘excellent breathability and softness.’ The exact level of softness can be varied for any part of the foot, which aids physical recovery by reducing strain, while also improving performance.
ASICS plans to carry out operational tests and monitor user satisfaction as part of a trial run for a wider commercial release. In 2025, the ASICS Personalization Studio will be transferred to Japan for further testing, and, in the future, the company will consider applying the technology to other footwear products besides sockliners.
“We are delighted to collaborate with Dassault Systèmes on the ASICS Personalization Studio. Our partnership leverages the advanced technology and expertise of two industry-leading companies to provide optimal value to each customer, helping them live healthier, happier lives with products that respond to their individual needs,” said Mitsuyuki Tominaga, President and COO, Representative Director of ASICS.
“We share ASICS’ commitment to innovations that improve health and well-being. Our partnership reflects this by demonstrating a holistic approach to manufacturing that prioritizes the consumer experience,” added Pascal Daloz, CEO, Dassault Systèmes. “It also shows how the virtual world is catalysing the 21st century economy. Through their foundation in science, our virtual twins enable industry to not only improve the performance and the experience of products but to advance more sustainable business models.”
LuxCreo Expands Partnership with ASICS
ASICS has also expanded its partnership with LuxCreo to enable rapid local delivery of personalised 3D printed shoes and insoles.
LuxCreo 3D Printing Smart Factory, a full 3D printing technology stack, is part of ASICS Personalization Studio, which also leverages Dassault Systèmes’ technology, to deliver an easy scan, design, print end-to-end process for personalised shoes and insoles.
“Diverse customer needs across different sports require us to transform the way we make our products so they are truly personalised,” said Genki Hatano, lead researcher in the Green Manufacturing Research Team, Future Creation Dept., ASICS Institute of Sport Science (ISS). “Our research with athletes shows they feel the value of personalized footbeds. This has inspired us to consider making personalised footwear accessible to all.”
Combining ASICS’ extensive knowledge in biomechanics, footwear, and lattice structure with a LuxCreo material that provides elasticity without permanent deformation will create unique personalised designs for lasting performance and comfort, according to the partners.
Localised 3D printing also allows for rapid cycles, helping to optimise athlete performance and comfort.
“We created a 3D printing platform and ecosystem to deliver personalised products,” said Michael Strohecker, Co-Founder and Chief Revenue Officer of LuxCreo. “Our 3D Printing Smart Factory provides personalised products for dental and medical industries, as well as supports ASICS’ exploration of a new business model to transform consumer data into personalised shoes that can be manufactured on-demand.”