SDT's fighting android is the culmination of 15 years of research and development by it's inventor, Luther C. Trawick. After literally testing and building the models in his garage over the years, Mr. Trawick's efforts came to fruition in 2003. He then assembled a small group of investors who provided the necessary capital and support in the building of a marketable prototype.

The apparatus includes many advantages that will be readily recognized over training with punching bags and sparring partners. The invention embodies a life-like electromechanical device that moves backwards and forward, rotates and dodges to the left and right to avoid punches with human-like movement. It can assume various fixed positions, such that the fighter can practice throwing punches and kicks in a more realistic sparring atmosphere. The fighter enjoys many benefits from sparring with the apparatus. One major benefit is that the apparatus will assume various programmed positions while taking multiple punches until the fighter perfects the desired practice punching routine. For example, a fighter may throw a jab at a selected area on the device as it moves from side-to-side and at the same time have to dodge a punch thrown by the sparring partner.

When the apparatus is in an inside fighting position, the fighter can also perfect uppercuts, left and right hooks to the body or other such punches. Using an ordinary punching bag, the fighter cannot readily perfect these punches. In a manual mode of operation, the sparring partner moves at variable speeds to accommodate each fighter's skill level. Programming allows the device to punch, dodge punches, throw counterpunches, or move up and down in accordance with selected sequence movements, or alternate fighting styles. The apparatus may be equipped with sensors that cause it to react to various moves or punches thrown by the fighter. Moreover, the apparatus may be equipped with sensors such that it can move in any direction to follow an opponent during sparring sessions. That is to say, the device may twist, turn or reposition itself to the left or right to face a fighter that has moved. This repositioning can be achieved either through a programmed manual mode or by a remote controller.