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The rest of the world is fueled by technology, so why shouldn’t sports be as well? There has been a massive boom in technology over the past 20-odd years, and sport has been taking full advantage of it. Sport is one of the most universally loved activities, and it continues to capture the attention of people from a variety of cultures. Athletic skill seems to be improving with each new generation, and records are being broken all the time. The integration of technology into this aspect of life not only makes this possible but also makes for better entertainment, and better safety for athletes. Here are some of the incredible technologies to hit the market in recent times.
Wearables are now everywhere. From Fitbit to the Apple Watch, it seems as though everyone has access to something that can go with them as they work out. Wearables are demanding more and more measurements or tracking abilities, but one product has decided to strip back a little and focus on improving a particular skill: jumping. Vert is a lightweight sensing device that can be placed on the waistband of anyone who frequently jumps – for example, basketball players, volleyball players, hurdlers, etc. The device can be worn while practicing or playing, and it will immediately transmit the data to a mobile or tablet device. This provides them with immediate information about their performance, and it allows for quicker corrections and more effective improvement. The simplicity of this device might just be what makes it stand out from the wearable crowd.
Babolat is another performance tracking device, and is aimed at tennis players. Essentially, Babolat Play is attached to a tennis racket and transmits data via Bluetooth. It has incredibly accurate sensors, and it is able to record data about shot power, impact location, spin, endurance, technique, rallies, and much more. The technology is ultra-lightweight, and it makes almost no difference to the weight and balance of the racket. Babolat is used by some of the top players in the sport.
A more general-use product that has made its way onto the scene is the sports technology that has been developed by D30. The material that the company has produced is incredibly shock absorbent, and it has impact protection capabilities. This could obviously be useful for almost any sport in regards to footwear and clothing, not to mention its capabilities outside of the sports world. The potential here is massive, and will no doubt change the way sport is done.
One innovation that is making sporting much safer is the invention of the ingestible computer, also known as the “thermometer pill.” Heat exhaustion is the number one cause of death in athletes, and this little pill can change that. Once swallowed, sensors transmit temperature and heart rate data to an external device that a trainer can easily monitor. Athletes may ignore the signs of heat exhaustion, but trainers can now keep a safe eye on their core temperature. The pill was originally designed by NASA, but commercial versions have become available.
In the area of sports clothing, compression wear has made itself indispensable, and has become an essential part of every athlete’s wardrobe. There have been significant improvements in this type of clothing. With the use of copper and zinc-infused material, alongside the support provided for joints and muscles, compression shorts decrease recovery time and overall discomfort. One manufacturer’s website includes items with these features, as well as odor-eliminating properties and UPF 50+ sun protection.
There is still a lot to look forward to for the sports technology industry. One of the ideas hovering on the horizon is the integration of virtual reality into the sports arena. Though it does have its limitations, it brings exciting possibilities along with it. Other technologies that should be making an appearance soon are further smartwatch improvements, which could include an altimeter, barometer, thermometer, gyroscope, humidity sensors, and more. Not to mention the improving merging of the real-life experience with the digital one. Digital capabilities are already showing up in sports stadiums, trying to get people more involved with games than ever. Hologram display technologies could be coming soon, which would take at-home and on-the-go sports viewing to a whole new level.
Sports are set to become even more entertaining and competitive than they already are. The incredible advances made in sports technology will make sport an entirely new experience. There are big things ahead in the future of sports technology.
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