Sports Technology: Improving the Industry for the Better

“I use technology when we need to, like an app to track our basketball shooting sessions. It films them and knows how many shots we make and miss and from where, so that kind of analysis is quite helpful as feedback.”

Sophie Carrigill

British Basketball Player

From virtual reality to electronic wearables, every technology linked to sports is a game changer in itself, the quality and performance of which, has far-reaching outcomes, both for the player and the industry. For instance, the visual indicator technology, famously known as, the goal-line technology, reduces the potential for human errors and unfair decisions. Likewise, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system keeps in-field errors in check.

On a financial footing, the sports technology market is expected to augment by 37.85 billion at a CAGR of 23.96% between 2023 and 2028. Factors, such as IoT integration, high level performance, and cohesive data analysis are playing a significant role in the rise of demand for sports equipment. According to reports, Europe leads the sports tech industry as ‘the most valued customer’, with more than 37% engagement in the regional and international market.

Impact of Sports Technology on Users

Sports Personalities

Did you know? Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the world’s most famous athletes, uses a variety of technological devices and systems to improve his performance. A physical recovery machine called Vascusport Regeneration System, developed by NASA scientists, improves his body functioning in a number of ways: It enhances the lymphatic flow, increases the endorphin levels in the brain, and quickens the healing process. Even at age 39, he can manage his sprinting and goal-scoring abilities easily.

Regenerative Clothing, an innovative and energy-saving invention, is playing a vital role in the sports industry. Cameron Buchan, a rowing specialist, is impressed by the new technology, stating that it helps in quick recoveries and lengthy training sessions. According to the international athlete, “I put it on after sessions so that I can jump into the next session and perform upto the level I want to.”

The mechanics of regenerative clothing is simple: It absorbs light and heat energy from the surroundings and transfers it back in the human body, penetrating approx. 4cm and causing various biological reactions to occur. Thermoreactive minerals, embedded inside the apparel, are the main source of energy changes taking place.

Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgHxXoklRmI

Sports Broadcasters

“To Tell Great Stories” is the prime goal of sports broadcasters around the globe. The use of robotic systems, advanced cameras, and screen casting technology assists in capturing valuable moments in games and showcasing them to the audience. The famous Bodycam video of Olivier Giroud, a key player of AC Milan portrays the positive change in the broadcasting industry.

Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s317P6QaSW8

Sports broadcasters are investing in cutting-edge technologies, such as:

Workflow and Studio Animation
Augmented and Virtual Reality
Live Graphic Tools Driven by Real-Time Data
Next-Generation UHD Automated and Robotic Cameras

Sports Fans

The famous Wembley Stadium, in London, comprises an automatic, integrated lighting system that responds to the best moments in football matches. In 2014, Thorn, a trusted supplier of luminaries, placed the system with special moving light effects. The iconic 134-meter high arch can also be illuminated with multiple colors, both static and dynamic. According to Roger Maslin, MD of Wembley Stadium, “We can now use the arch to make big, bold, and entertaining statements which can be seen across London.”

Another tech addition includes the use of digital screens around the Brooklyn’s Barclays Center. Fans are kept informed about the match and training schedules. Highlights are also projected on the flat screens through replay systems.

Besides in-ground technology, fans are being introduced to the mechanism and management style of football clubs through video games like Football Manager, Soccer Club Manager, and Eleven Kings. The entire structure is depicted in a transparent manner: Player trading, financial transactions, and team growth.

And that’s not it! There’s much more to come….

Augmented and Virtual Reality

VR technologies are a boon to all those who can’t afford the luxury of traveling around the world to watch their teams play: A unique headset and an app is all they need to enjoy. AR, on the other hand, help to provide digital information (statistics, training modules, etc.) on live video feeds or LCDs. Overlaying techniques are also used for better data projection.

Results & Achievements

Red Bull, in collaboration with RPR, launched a campaign (using AR) to create awareness and hype for the Cliff Diving World Series. The process was simple: Users, upon scanning QR codes, saw a virtual, diving platform appear before them. After reaching to its maximum height, users saw an animated diver gravitating from the top.

The 2016 Summer Olympics was the first VR-powered Olympic event. It was viewable with special headsets and their respective apps. Streaming was shown only a day after the events took place.

Nike, the world-famous sports brand, has filed for a patent for AR-aided golfing glasses. These specs will measure the trajectory, distance traveled, speed, and the spin of the ball (after it is hit).

In 2016, Phillip Walker, a quarterback, was injured before the AACC (American Athletic Conference Championship) game. Reports stated that Walker was able to complete his repetitive tasks (exercises) with Virtual Reality. He was named the Most Outstanding Player in the tournament.

Uses of Sports Technology

For an individual, sports-based technology can offer numerous benefits, so many that the person cannot measure. However, some of the broad categories are as follows:

Improving Performance
Staying Fit
Better Decision Making
Injury Prevention
Accurate Data Analysis

Are you optimistic on the use of technology for sports? It’s the best bet for anyone who wants to give a strong performance on the field, improve their game, or manage their injury. Let’s hope for a better tomorrow!