The Rise of XO Armor Technologies: From Auburn University Lab to the Pro Football Fields
Auburn, Alabama is a small college town with a tight-knit community centered around Auburn University, where the football team holds a special place in the hearts of the residents. It was in this environment that Robbie Stewart, the head athletic trainer at Auburn University, approached engineering professor Dr. Michael Zabala when a star football athlete was injured and in need of a better protective guard. The challenge was set, and out of this effort grew a business that is now used by dozens of college and professional football teams.
The problem was that wide receiver Anthony Schwartz had injured his hand, and his current protective guard was too big and bulky for him to catch a football. The solution needed to meet three criteria: be lightweight, small enough to not hinder his catching, and protective of his injury. Dr. Zabala and his lab, the Auburn University Biomechanical Engineering Lab, rose to the challenge and began experimenting with 3D printing technology. Using a scan of the athlete’s injured hand, the team was able to make a model of a custom-fit guard that could be printed in a matter of hours.
The technology was put to the test when Anthony Schwartz used the printed guard under his glove during a game against Texas A&M. The result was a 57-yard touchdown, and it was clear that this product had the potential to revolutionize the field of sports protection. Recognizing the opportunity, Dr. Zabala created XO Armor Technologies in 2019, a company that would bring the custom-fit protective guard to the masses.
The company quickly moved into Auburn University’s New Venture Accelerator, a location where several startup companies can set up their headquarters and grow with the support and resources of the University.
It was here that XO Armor took its first steps towards becoming a major player in the athletic market. The company’s unique selling point is its use of 3D scanning technology to create custom-fit protective gear for athletes, offering a level of protection and comfort that cannot be found in mass-produced products.
In the years since its creation, XO Armor has continued to grow and expand, working with dozens of college and professional football teams to protect their athletes on the field. The company’s products have been tested in the harshest of conditions, and its commitment to using high-quality materials and innovative technology has earned it a reputation as a trusted provider of custom-fit protection.
Whether you’re a college football player or a seasoned pro, if you want to protect your body and perform at your best, XO Armor is the solution you’ve been looking for. With its custom-fit technology, you can be sure that your gear will fit like a glove, providing the protection you need to play at your best. So don’t wait any longer, unleash your full potential with XO Armor!
