FUZHOU, April 20, 2025 — In 2024, artificial intelligence (AI) moved beyond labs and chat interfaces to reshape industries across the globe, and the sports equipment sector was no exception. Among the leaders of this revolution was Dore Sports, a China-based pickleball and padel racket manufacturer, which embraced AI to modernize its production lines and product development strategies.
The rise of AI technologies like ChatGPT, computer vision, and smart sensors marked a turning point in how manufacturers approach both design and mass production. Dore Sports recognized early on that relying solely on traditional methods was no longer enough to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving global market.
The Intelligent Shift in Racket Manufacturing
In the past, racket design involved manual sketching, material testing, and multiple physical prototypes before reaching a final version. This process was time-consuming and costly. However, with AI-powered generative design tools, Dore Sports reduced the product development timeline by nearly 40%. These tools can simulate and test countless shape, weight, and material combinations within hours, allowing engineers to focus on performance optimization and customization.
“AI allows us to create rackets that are not only lighter and more durable, but also uniquely tailored to different player styles,” said Lisa Chen, Head of R&D at Dore Sports. “This level of precision was impossible just a few years ago.”
Real-Time Quality Control with Computer Vision
Another groundbreaking innovation was the integration of AI-based computer vision systems into Dore Sports’ production lines. Traditional quality checks relied on manual inspection, which could miss micro-defects or inconsistencies in composite layering. Now, with high-resolution cameras and machine learning algorithms, every racket undergoes real-time inspection, ensuring consistent quality and fewer returns.
This shift not only improved quality but also reduced waste, aligning with the brand’s commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices.
AI-Driven Market Insights and Customization
In the marketing department, tools like ChatGPT have been repurposed to analyze social media trends, customer feedback, and online behavior. This data allows Dore Sports to forecast market demands and offer limited edition or trend-aligned racket models with unmatched agility.
Moreover, the company introduced a real-time online customization platform, powered by natural language processing (NLP) AI. Customers can now describe their playing style or design preferences in everyday language, and the system generates product recommendations and visuals accordingly—offering a personalized shopping experience that was previously only possible in boutique sports stores.
The Rise of Pickleball and Global Expansion
Pickleball, a fast-growing sport in North America and Europe, became a central focus for Dore Sports in 2024. By combining AI insights with manufacturing agility, the company rapidly developed new models suited to both beginners and professional players, earning praise for responsiveness and product variety.
"AI didn’t replace our expertise—it amplified it,” said CEO David Wong. “We’re still a team of racket experts, but now we’re backed by algorithms that can process millions of data points in seconds.”
As 2025 unfolds, Dore Sports plans to integrate predictive maintenance AI into its factories, reducing downtime and optimizing energy usage. The company is also exploring AI-generated training data to help athletes improve their game using smart rackets embedded with sensors.
From ChatGPT to smart factories, 2024 marked a technological inflection point for Dore Sports—and the future looks even brighter as AI continues to reshape the sporting goods landscape.
As a one-stop pickleball product supplier, D...
As a one-stop pickleball product supplier, D...
As a one-stop pickleball product supplier, D...
