How Sports Technology is Changing the Game

Today, technology has literally permeated every industry, and the world of sports is no exception. Digital transformation, Data Analytics, the Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence, and other technologies are slowly but surely making sports accessible, safe, and more enjoyable than ever before.

In this piece, we’ve listed a few key advancements in sports technology that have changed the industry for the better.

1. Smart Stadiums

In 1998, 54% of sports fans said they would rather witness a game at the stadium than watch it from their living room. However, in 2011, that number dropped to 29%. And today, the Covid-19 pandemic has increased this shift even further.

Stadiums need to create an experience that is more rewarding than what fans receive from the comfort of their couches. And that’s where smart stadiums come in.

What makes a stadium ‘smart’?

Enhancing the in-stadium experience of the audience depends on a few different factors. Some of them include:

• Improving fan experience by introducing apps for in-stadium navigation, contactless menus to order food from their seat, and queue monitoring.
• Data-driven infrastructure management for monitoring the crowd and allocating resources such as parking spots.
• Ensuring the safety and security of attendees by incorporating AI-powered surveillance to detect overcrowding, littering, theft, and abnormal events such as fights.

DID YOU KNOW?

Smart stadiums ensure cleaner restrooms by triggering a maintenance work order when the visit count exceeds a certain set threshold.
Source: Intel

2. Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation

Sports injuries can have devastating effects on a player’s body and their career. And that’s why prevention and rehabilitation are crucial. Some sports technologies that are currently available to ensure the safety of players include:

• FITGuard — a high-tech mouthguard that uses a sensor to alert a player when they have suffered a severe but invisible injury during the game. The LED light on the guard turns red in the case of a serious impact such as a concussion, while a blue light indicates a medium-degree impact.
• Xenith’s helmets are designed to provide players with the highest degree of protection during a game. Unlike other helmets that use foam, their Shadow XR helmet uses shock absorbers (similar to car airbags) that release air to reduce impact.
• Sensoria’s ‘Smart Socks’ isn’t your average pair of socks. It is equipped with pressure sensors to evaluate the possibility and extent of running injuries. If and when an injury does occur, this data allows medical experts to recommend a proper rehabilitation plan so athletes can restore full range of function and movement in no time.

FACT:

The London Aquatics Centre uses technology to eliminate ambient water energy from waves, which causes swimmers to slow down.
Source: Hire Intelligence

3. Tracking player performance

Sports technology has made it possible for runners, swimmers, cyclists, and all kinds of athletes to track their performance, gain valuable insights, and improve their skills. For instance, Electronic Performance and Tracking System (EPTS) devices can track a variety of metrics such as a player’s movement, their running speed, distance covered, heart rate, body’s work rate, and more.

Similarly, Real Madrid partnered with Microsoft to create a software solution that analyses the data collected during a match or a training session to help them make better strategic decisions. In fact, even a slow sport like golf has benefited from technology, with launch monitors helping people to play more accurately.

Read the full article at: https://thescalers.com/how-sports-technology-is-changing-the-game/