From scoring developments and data analytics to esports and sports medicine technology, there’s always a new innovation popping up in the world of sport. And these trends aren’t just impacting professional athletes, rules enforcers and sports facility managers, but they’re also affecting fans and changing the way they enjoy and interact with their favorite teams.
One of the most interesting sports tech trends is smart ball technology, a system that uses a sensor suspended inside the soccer ball and a network of receivers to track the ball extremely precisely. The goal is to help officials make more accurate decisions and increase player safety during games.
Other sports technology innovations are empowering athletes with wearable devices that track key performance indicators. Tiny sensors in wristbands, jerseys or shoes capture data like heart rate and speed. The consolidated data is used by coaches and medical staff to identify risk factors for injuries and optimize athlete training programs. In addition, smart protective equipment with embedded sensors is helping keep athletes safe and healthy during practices and games. For example, helmets with adaptive features like temperature-reactive vents help reduce core body temperatures during high-intensity training.
Athletes can use artificial intelligence coaching apps to improve their game, boosting motivation and improving team performance. Facilities that offer this service stand out to parents and local clubs and can attract new customers during off-peak hours. In addition, AI tools help sports entities monitor and control operational systems based on real-time occupancy and environmental data. For example, smart stadiums deploy IoT sensors to automate parking and security, while facial recognition at entry points helps streamline ticketing and entry.