AUBURN — If you find yourself going hoarse more frequently this fall, there’s a reason.
Because the most recent attention Auburn University Biomechanical Engineering Lab-born startup XO Armor has been receiving hasn’t been for preventing injuries with custom-fit, 3D-printed orthotics — it’s been for preventing delay of game penalties.
The company, which maintains home base operations out of Auburn University’s New Venture Accelerator, recently began offering its rapidly growing clientele noise-dampening ear hole covers designed to enhance the effectiveness of the new in-helmet coach-to-player (C2P) communication systems now allowed in the NCAA.
The first to benefit? The Houston Texans.
“The Texans, one of our existing customers, actually gave us the idea,” said AUBE Lab director and Auburn Alumni Engineering Council Associate Professor Michael Zabala. “One of their athletic trainers and an equipment manager requested a solution for reducing crowd noise within the helmet. We offered them a few different designs and then one of our lead engineers, Brandon Raetz, in our Auburn headquarters, took on the project and really made it successful and scalable across different helmet types.”
Raetz, as well as XO Armor engineering manager Miller Parker, who also significantly contributed to the project, both recently graduated from Auburn with degrees in mechanical engineering.
To date, seven NFL teams are utilizing the 3D-printed covers, as are approximately 60 college teams, Auburn included.
“So far, the feedback from the teams we have supplied with the covers has been very positive,” Zabala said. “With our ability to match colors, designs and the speed in which we can produce them, the teams have been pleased. It’s pretty exciting to be a part of improving the C2P systems and providing anything we can that betters the athletes’ experience.”
The company also recently partnered with Certor Sports, the parent company for sports equipment brands like Schutt, Vicis and Tucci, to deliver custom-fit protective gear to athletes worldwide.
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