Sports technologies are innovative equipment or other products that are designed and manufactured for a certain sport and the athletes which are used to improve the training and their overall athletic performance.
The implementation of technology has been one of the biggest and most impactful changes in sports and the changes have enhanced the experience for players, trainers, and management. With the proper equipment trainers and athletes, both amateur and professional, can track their performance and figure out any errors in a game.
Wearable technologies, such as heart monitors and smart trackers, are some of the most prominent and widely used technologies in sports. These technologies in sports have enabled players to reduce the risk of injury. The sports technology market is developing rapidly, and they are constantly used by coaches and trainers to monitor athletic training, in-game performance, and recovery from an injury.
There are numerous ways this field can develop, and companies are continuously engaged to innovate and introduce improved products. However, having room for development does not mean that the currently implemented technologies are not beneficial.
Some of the most impactful sports technologies present in the market are as follows:
- Flying Drones and Spider Cam
We could say that these are the most widely used technology for any outdoor sport as they have tremendously improved sports broadcasting. It is one of the fastest-growing technology, and it is high in demand as they enable the broadcaster to get close and dynamic views of the stadium and the ongoing game.
- VAR
Video assistant referee, also abbreviated as VAR, has been one of the most effective implementations of technology in sports. VAR is somewhat like a third umpire but in football, it leverages the latest camera technologies in sports to increase the precision of a referee’s call.
VAR allows a team of referees located outside the field, in a control room, to analyze calls and correct every missed call or non-call in the game. This system is used by four different sports apart from football, which include tennis, cricket, rugby, and American football.
- Virtual Reality
Virtual reality is a relatively new technology; however, it is being extensively implemented in various sports, such as golf, cycling, athletics, NASCAR, football, and skiing, among others. These technologies can create a safe and realistic practice environment and provide a better viewing experience for the viewer as they can enable 360-degree viewing angles for the fans.
- Sensors
Sensors are most likely the most important sports technology development in the market as they have improved various aspects of a sport. Sensors have seen some of the largest amounts of development and as of now, there are sport-specific sensors available for virtually every athletic activity under the sun.
These are only a few of many significant technologies available and the development of the field is being driven by some of the world’s largest technology companies, including Sony Group Corporation, IBM Corporation, Panasonic Corporation, Cisco Systems Inc., and Fujitsu Limited, among others.
The rapidly developing field of sports technology presents lucrative opportunities for startups too. Some of the most noticeable ones would be Playermaker, myomaster, Zwift, and Sorare.
Sports technology with its rapid speed of development has had many notable recent developments, such as Smart stadiums, performance analytics, esports, and advanced streaming.
- Fantasy Sports League
Fantasy sports are the type of online games that are played by assembling a team of fantasy or real players and the game is played against other players’ teams. The teams then perform based on the statistics of those players in a real game.
Numerous sports leagues are increasingly using fantasy sports platforms as a significant tool for engagement with their fans. The fantasy sports market has become an integral part of sports leagues.
Now one might think that why is something digital and out of reality so appealing to the fans of a particular sport. The thrill in this sport comes from the sense of satisfaction that the user can get after their predictions and players win and as a result, they become more invested in that particular sport.
- Advanced Streaming
OTT (over-the-top) platforms, 3D technologies, and 4k resolution are some of the major developments that have significantly enhanced viewing quality.
Broadcasters nowadays want to deliver a tailored experience and comprehensive information while keeping a fast-streaming speed. OTT platforms have become one of the favourite modes to watch live streams of matches as they also enable fans to watch the game from anywhere.
- eSports
eSports has quickly grown in popularity with technological advancements that can provide next-generation solutions. The rapidly developing smartphone market and easy accessibility have significantly lowered the entry barrier for people to enjoy eSports of free-to-play competitive games, such as PUBG mobile and Call of Duty Mobile.
Dynasty is an eSports portal management (EPM) software developed by a Singaporean firm. It provides the customer with a one-stop solution; the platform connects the gaming and media ecosystems. Unlike other platforms that are launched to provide one specific feature, such as game broadcasting or a marketplace.
Additionally, the firm provides a way for players to develop their talents by utilising AI-based coaching that makes use of gameplay, outcomes, and game API.
- Smart Stadiums
Due to rapid technological advancements, fans’ preferences are shifting and many of them now choose to watch the game on television with their friends. Noticing this scenario, sports technology firms are incorporating technologies that can improve the in-venue match experience for spectators by providing extra features. AI-based crowd sentiment analysis systems can track the audience’s emotions during the game to gauge the level of fun the spectators are having.
Additionally, the Internet of Things (IoT) enhances smart stadium connection and bandwidth, enabling visitors to check in quickly, locate parking spaces, or use any applications immediately.
A recent United States-based startup, known as Quintar, has the function of AR data visualisation and provides an immersive reality experience during the game by showing various game statistics. In addition, it enables the fans to view the game from different angles as the view might not be clear from all parts of the stadium.
Implementation of various advanced technologies in sports can provide numerous benefits. However, there is a strict need for regulation as it can easily break the integrity and actual importance of a player’s core skills in a sport. This is exactly why it is necessary to strictly monitor the implementation of AI and ML in sports.
