Andrey Baykov, CEO and founder of Quanta Sphere LLC, has leveraged his extensive experience in aviation and skydiving, combined with his expertise in software development, to innovate within the IoT sports equipment space. In this interview, Andrey shares insights into the development and impact of AirGuard, Quanta Sphere’s flagship product designed to revolutionize safety in sports. Quanta Sphere LLC, founded in California, USA, is at the cutting edge of sports technology innovation.
Q: What inspired the creation of Quanta Sphere LLC, and how did AirGuard become your flagship product?
“My expertise in aviation, particularly in skydiving, played a significant role in founding Quanta Sphere LLC. I hold a Master’s degree in aerospace and instrumentation, and I’ve gained extensive experience in both skydiving and software development. Through my experience as a skydiving coach and instructor, I realized that safety heavily depends on human factors like instructors and drop zone staff, who can’t monitor everything all the time. Using my knowledge, I saw an opportunity to create a device that could automate certain safety measures, reduce risks, and improve overall safety in extreme sports. This led to the creation of AirGuard.”
Q: How does AirGuard differentiate itself from other IoT or safety-focused products in the market?
“AirGuard is truly unique. Currently, there are no direct competitors offering a solution like ours in the market. AirGuard offers real-time monitoring of an athlete’s vitals and environmental factors, and it’s equipped with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) that analyze global data to predict and prevent accidents. Our emergency response feature ensures help arrives at the right place, at the right time, with the correct equipment and specialists. This combination of real-time data, AI, ML, and emergency response makes AirGuard unlike anything else available.”
Q: What was the development process like for AirGuard, and what major challenges did your team face?
“The development process was complex, as we needed to integrate multiple sensors into a single, lightweight device that could operate seamlessly in extreme conditions like skydiving. One of the biggest challenges was ensuring reliable tracking of both vitals and environmental data in real time. Additionally, developing and fine-tuning the AI and ML algorithms that power AirGuard’s predictive insights required processing vast amounts of data. We tackled these challenges through rigorous testing, iteration, and collaboration with experts in engineering, data science, and software development.”
Q: How does AirGuard use Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to improve athlete safety and performance?
“AirGuard’s AI and ML capabilities allow it to analyze real-time data and identify dangerous patterns that may not be visible to human observers. For example, if several skydivers are in proximity and there’s a risk of collision, AirGuard can detect this and inform those involved, preventing accidents before they happen. The device continuously learns from jump records globally, helping athletes avoid risks and make better decisions based on predictive insights.”
Q: Why did you choose to offer three versions of AirGuard: Light, Normal, and Pro?
“We wanted to make AirGuard accessible to a wide range of users, from casual athletes to professionals. The Light version offers essential safety features, while the Normal version provides more detailed insights for experienced athletes. The Pro version is designed for professionals and uses advanced technology to offer the highest level of precision and productivity. From Light to Pro, the device becomes smaller and more efficient, but also more expensive due to the cutting-edge materials and technology involved.”
Q: What feedback have you received from early users of AirGuard, and how has it shaped the product?
“We’ve worked closely with pro skydivers who have been testing AirGuard in the field since its early stages. Their feedback has been crucial in helping us improve the device’s functionality. Based on their input, we’ve made several enhancements that are now part of the latest versions, ensuring that AirGuard performs optimally in real-world conditions.”
Q: What role do you see IoT, AI, and ML playing in the future of sports technology?
“IoT, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning are game changers, not just in skydiving but across the entire sports industry. These technologies allow us to collect real-time data, analyze it instantly, and provide predictive insights that can prevent accidents and optimize performance. In the future, I see IoT, AI, and ML becoming integral to every sport, offering athletes and trainers the ability to make smarter decisions and improve safety and performance.”
Q: Where do you see Quanta Sphere LLC in five years, and what are your long-term plans for AirGuard?
“In five years, I see Quanta Sphere LLC as a leader in sports technology, with AirGuard widely adopted by athletes across multiple sports. We plan to expand AirGuard beyond skydiving, into areas like cycling, diving, and other high-risk activities. Our goal is to continuously innovate and push the boundaries of what’s possible with IoT, AI, and ML in sports.”
