In recent years, home fitness equipment has steadily evolved from simple mechanical machines into connected platforms that track performance, stream classes, and adapt to user habits. Treadmills, in particular, have seen incremental improvements, but most still rely on manual controls or preset programs that assume every runner responds the same way. Merach’s latest release at CES 2026 suggests that this era may be shifting, introducing the UltraTread T70 Aura treadmill, designed to respond directly to the body rather than forcing the user to adapt to the machine.
The fitness equipment is positioned as the world’s first AI-powered treadmill that automatically adjusts speed and incline in real time based on heart rate. At the center of the system is a large language model-driven AI coach that continuously analyzes cardiovascular data and makes dynamic adjustments to keep workouts within targeted training zones.
Instead of following static routines, users experience sessions that evolve moment by moment, responding to fatigue, recovery, or rising exertion without requiring constant manual input. Heart rate data is currently synced through Apple Watch, with broader device compatibility planned through future updates.
The AI does more than modify physical settings. It functions as a conversational coach, offering guidance, feedback, and motivation through natural language interaction. The system also builds personalized training plans over time, learning from each session to better align intensity with individual fitness goals. This approach aims to replicate aspects of one-on-one coaching, where adjustments are made instinctively based on physical signals rather than fixed metrics alone.
Beyond software, Merach has focused heavily on comfort and injury prevention. The UltraTread T70 Aura incorporates what the company calls a KneeGuard triple-layer suspension system. This structure combines a fiberglass layer to disperse impact quietly, a slat-based module that absorbs significantly more shock than conventional decks, and a cushioning layer engineered to return energy with each stride. Together, these elements are designed to reduce joint strain, minimize noise, and create a running feel closer to outdoor surfaces or high-end athletic footwear.
The treadmill features a 21.5-inch HD display and a 3.0-horsepower brushless motor capable of handling inclines up to 12 percent. It supports users weighing up to 400 pounds and integrates with fitness apps for additional training options beyond the built-in AI system. These specifications place it firmly in the premium home treadmill category, while its starting price of $1,200 undercuts many established smart treadmill competitors.
Merach positions the UltraTread T70 Aura as a more accessible entry point into adaptive, data-driven fitness, arguing that real-time responsiveness can make workouts both safer and more effective. By reducing the guesswork involved in pacing and intensity, the treadmill aims to help users maintain consistency and avoid overexertion, especially during longer or more demanding sessions. Scheduled to launch in the second quarter of 2026 through Merach’s own channels, Amazon, and select retailers, the UltraTread T70 Aura reflects a broader trend toward equipment that actively participates in training rather than passively supporting it.
