Modern technologies are evolving at a breakneck pace, and this has had an impact on the sports industry. Various innovations, such as decision-making systems and special wearable devices for athletes, are emerging. From athlete training and performance to broadcasting competitions, creating a comprehensive digital experience for fans – both in the stadium and on TV screens – innovation is evident in all segments of the sports industry. In this article, we will discuss the most important technologies in the modern sports industry, which were actively used in 2023 and will become even more common in 2024.
Decision support systems
Coaching staff have implemented decision support systems based on artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, which enable them to analyze numerous team performances as well as individual athlete performance, develop optimal training strategies, and adjust tactical actions in real time. Scouting services in football, hockey, basketball, and other team sports use AI to find new talent and fairly assess their transfer value.
Sensors
Sensors in soccer balls and tennis rackets enable coaches and doctors to analyze hitting techniques and improve specific aspects of the game. Biometric sensors are used in Formula 1 racers’ equipment: data on the level of oxygen in their blood is used to provide emergency assistance and evacuation in the event of an accident.
Virtual and augmented reality
Virtual and augmented reality (VR and AR) technologies have become another tool for maintaining athletes’ functional state throughout the entire competitive season, expanding the capabilities of training planning and execution. Athletes can practice tactical patterns using immersive technologies, minimizing prolonged physical exertion and the risk of injury, and recover from mental and emotional injuries using cognitive training.
Neural networks
Neural networks have infiltrated all aspects of human life, producing unprecedented results everywhere. In 90% of cases, any modern smartphone, voice assistant, or search engine is based on some kind of neural network model. What can we say, since even online betting companies, such as ipl betting online, incorporate neural networks into their software? And, while these businesses are not directly related to sports, they are inextricably linked to it. If you are betting cricket, you have probably interacted with some kind of neural network model without even realizing it.
A neural network’s primary task in the field of sports is to track health status. Athlete monitoring programs are used by sports clubs. Data on training loads and player responses to well-being questions are entered into these programs on a daily basis. Doctors keep track of the medications athletes take and collect a variety of other vital information.
Electronic “eyes”
Tennis players were not the only ones who had to change their playing style and improve their physical condition as a result of these innovations. The officials simply did not have time to keep up with the game. Then came electronic tracking and statistics systems. FOXTENN Top Real Precision, or “Fox,” is one of the most popular similar technologies for tennis. She keeps an eye on the court with 44 HD cameras and ten lasers. Five servers process the received information with millimeter and millisecond precision before displaying it on an external monitor.
Because even a few eyes closely watching the game cannot compete with electronics, “Fox” was able to replace the line judges on the court. Furthermore, the system gathers information about each tennis player, such as running and serving speed, movement trajectory on the court, and other data for the player database. In the American basketball championship NBA, a similar technology is used. All players on the court are monitored by cameras, and the data collected with their assistance is used by team coaches. A sort of auto-repeat, but with statistics already prepared.
Conclusion
The sports industry has been greatly influenced by modern technology. Technologies are spreading all over the world, and they are even being used in athlete training. However, it is important to understand that, first and foremost, the results are influenced by the training itself and a person’s willpower, and assistive technologies only assist athletes in achieving their goals. Technologies like betting cricket also allow for the mass dissemination of sports culture. They have a positive impact on sports, bringing development, safety, and many other innovations to the field, but the main “hero” has always been and will continue to be a person.