Tag Archives: sport

Apple Vision Pro and Sport. F1 Mixed Reality Concept

Reading Time: 2 minutes

The future of sports viewing, particularly Formula 1 racing, could be on the cusp of a revolutionary shift with Apple’s Vision Pro mixed reality headset. Designer John LePore’s concept of an F1 companion app for the Vision Pro provides a tantalizing glimpse into how immersive sports experiences could become. This concept suggests that fans could enjoy a 3D map of the race track on their coffee table, complete with real-time data on car positions and laps remaining, all while watching the race unfold on a virtual high-definition screen.

Image by DALL-E

Apple’s foray into mixed reality with the Vision Pro, combined with its investment in live sports for its streaming service, positions the company uniquely to transform how we engage with sports. The potential to integrate live sports viewing with interactive, spatial computing experiences offers a compelling proposition for fans seeking a more immersive connection to their favorite events.

Image by DALL-E

While this F1 app remains a concept, the idea underlines the broader potential of mixed reality technology to enhance how we experience live sports. As Apple continues to develop its ecosystem, incorporating both hardware like the Vision Pro and content through services like Apple TV+, the stage is set for a new era of sports entertainment, marked by unprecedented immersion and interactivity.

Image by DALL-E

https://www.inverse.com/tech/apple-vision-pro-f1-mixed-reality-f1-concept

https://medium.com/@Invincible_Ocean/future-of-sports-apple-vision-pros-impact-on-mixed-reality-f1-concept-1e9a08b42100

https://onetech.pl/zanurz-sie-w-swiecie-f1-z-aplikacja-na-vision-pro/

https://www.apple.com/apple-vision-pro/

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AI in Sports: Revolutionizing the Future of Athletics

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Introduction

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become widespread across various industries, and sports is no exception. With the advancement of technology, AI is playing an increasingly prominent role in transforming the way sports are played, analyzed, and experienced. In this article, we will explore the key trends shaping the industry of AI in sport and delve into its potential impact on player performance, equipment optimization, athlete training, fan engagement, and fair judging.

AI for Predicting Player Performance and Injury Prevention

One of the significant applications of AI in sports lies in predicting player performance through data analysis. For instance, Major League Baseball employs AI tools like Statcast that monitor player movements, pitch velocity, and launch angles, providing comprehensive data to players, coaches, and fans. This data-driven approach enables teams to make informed decisions and strategize effectively.

Moreover, AI-driven player analytics are pivotal in injury risk assessment and prevention. Companies like Sparta Science utilize AI and high-speed force-plate systems to collect extensive data points in real-time, creating “Movement Signatures” for athletes and optimizing training programs. The NFL has even collaborated with Amazon Web Services to develop the Digital Athlete, an AI tool that identifies player impacts and suggests ways to enhance safety and minimize injuries.

AI for Improving Sports Equipment

AI is also revolutionizing the design and performance of sports equipment. In football, Google’s Jacquard tag, embedded in shoe insoles, utilizes machine learning to monitor player movements. This data can be charted into the virtual world for better fan engagement and player insights. Similarly, in golf, Altair’s AI-powered solutions optimize club design by analyzing factors such as center of gravity, durability, and spin. AI-driven adjustments enable the creation of clubs tailored to a broader range of player needs. In tennis, AI models like DALL·E and Midjourney are used to design racquets with lighter and stronger constructions. And in Formula 1, teams employ AI simulations to optimize race strategies by analyzing variables like weather, competitors, track conditions, and mechanical issues. These advancements in AI-driven equipment enhance player performance while providing a more inclusive and engaging experience for fans.

AI for Athlete Training

AI’s analytical prowess makes it a powerful tool for real-time monitoring, athlete performance evaluation, and training regimes. Professional leagues like the NBA and Premier League have partnered with tech firms to employ AI-powered data analysis for assessing player and team performance. This empowers coaches to make immediate strategic decisions, refining gameplay and maximizing player potential. In golf, AI algorithms evaluate golfers’ swings, offering personalized tips based on biomechanics. AI-powered apps assess golfers’ movements, provide feedback, and analyze performance, akin to having an expert caddie by their side. Similarly, Seattle Sports Sciences employs AI to evaluate soccer players’ skills, measuring touch points and foot preferences. These advancements in AI-driven athlete training contribute to improved performance and skill development.

AI for Enhancing Fan Engagement

With the growing demand for digital live sports content, AI plays a crucial role in enhancing fan engagement. Platforms such as Wimbledon and LaLiga are utilizing AI to provide personalized communication, data-driven insights, and immersive experiences. Wimbledon collaborated with IBM to use AI for audio commentary and captions in online videos, while LaLiga offers real-time analysis of player performance, personalized content, and enhanced live broadcasts with AI-generated graphics. Fan interaction is further enhanced through the integration of chatbots like Arsenal’s “Robot Pires,” providing fans with match info, behind-the-scenes content, and player statistics. These AI-powered innovations not only deepen fan loyalty but also enhance the overall sports experience, fueling the growth of the AI-driven industry.

AI for Fairer Judging

AI is also being tested across various sports to improve the judging process, making it more transparent and fair. In boxing, AI tools compile extensive match data to detect foul play, combating cheating and providing accurate refereeing. In FIFA World Cup 2022, AI aided referees by tracking player positions and monitoring player actions via cameras and ball sensors, reducing the margin for human error. In gymnastics, AI systems employ 3D sensors to convert athletes’ movements into numerical data, aiding judges in their assessments. This transformative potential of AI in sports judging continues to evolve, aiming to deliver judgment free from human bias and error.

My opinion

The integration of AI in sports has the potential to revolutionize the industry, benefiting players, coaches, fans, and referees alike. AI-driven technologies provide valuable insights, enhance performance, and contribute to a fairer and more engaging sports environment. As the global AI in sports market is forecasted to reach $19.2 billion by 2030, it is clear that AI is not just a buzzword but a significant driver of change in the field of sports. The future of sports lies in the harmonious integration of human capabilities with AI-driven technologies. However, it is essential to maintain the balance between technology and human judgment to preserve the authenticity and spirit of competition in sports.

Conclusion

In conclusion, AI’s role in sports is evolving rapidly. It is shaping the way athletes perform, how fans engage, and even how games are judged. As the capabilities of AI continue to expand, the possibilities for innovation and advancement in the sports industry are limitless.

Links:

  1. https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2023/09/27/can-ai-score-big-in-the-future-of-sports-five-key-trends-shaping-the-industry/?sh=3079bd2e440c
  2. https://appinventiv.com/blog/ai-in-sports/amp/
  3. https://imaginovation.net/blog/ai-in-sportsindustry/
  4. https://www.analyticsvidhya.com/blog/2023/05/how-is-ai-powering-the-future-of-sports/
  5. https://markovate.com/blog/ai-in-sports/
  6. https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/D4D12AQH8xoe9cm6d8Q/article-cover_image-shrink_720_1280/0/1703752563004?e=2147483647&v=beta&t=DaEhvHGJ2GqOquXiXKaklCSkRVotiZWU8L2PIV6qXL4

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Prompts:

  1. Find out how AI is used in sports like analyzing player performance, preventing injuries, and strategizing game plans.
  2. Create an outline for the post with sections like introduction, AI in player performance, AI in injury prevention, AI in game strategy, and wrap-up.
  3. Look for real examples of AI in action in sports, like success stories and case studies.
  4. Highlight the benefits of using AI in sports, like better decision-making, improved training, and more accurate insights.
  5. Discuss any concerns or limitations of using AI in sports, such as privacy issues or relying too much on technology.
  6. Summarize the positive impact of AI in sports in the conclusion, while taking into consideration challenges and the need for responsible use.
  7. Look through and edit the post to make sure it makes sense, flows well, and has accurate information.
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The Tennis revolution – Hawkeye Live Technology

Reading Time: 3 minutes

History

If you have watched a tennis match in the last few years, you may have noticed the absence of one thing that was characteristic of this sport – line umpires. They largely decided the fate of the match by assessing whether a given ball was in or out of the court. Every person makes mistakes, so they were not exceptions either. That is why for several years we have been able to observe the voices calling “out” through loudspeakers that are called by a computer. This is possible thanks to the Hawk-eye Live system.

The basic Hawk-eye system, however, has been present for a long time and is used for challenges – verifying whether the linesman judged the ball correctly or whether he was wrong. The new version of this system was implemented in 2020 during the Grand Slam tournament – US Open. Hawk-eye Live, as this system is called, replaced line judges and detected in real time whether the ball was in or out of the court.

Still some tournament denied using Hawk-eye system during their events. During French Open also called Roland Garros we wont encounter the use of such a system. The officials of the event claimed that there is no point on using Hawk-eye when on a clay court a ball leaves a visible mark where it landed. It makes sense considering that the cost of installing the Hawk-eye system on one court is around $100,000.

How it works?

The Hawk-eye Live system is based on 10 to 18 cameras placed around the entire court, depending on the tournament. These cameras track the ball from several angles. Thanks to this, this system has an error range of up to 5 mm. This is such a small amount that no referee can judge better the accuracy of the ball than the system. The image from the cameras is converted into a 3D animation showing the place where the ball hit during the point. 

Interestingly, these cameras are able to capture foot fault, which is when a player cross or step on the end line during the serve. It’s impressive because each player wears different shoes, of a different size, color or event type. So it is more difficult to track whether the athlete’s foot stepped on the line or not.

Did it improve tennis?

In my opinion, yes. This system means that during matches we can observe fewer situations where a player argues with a referee, which is spoiling the beauty of the game. Every sport evolves and changes to some extent. I think that is a step forward improving the game. Most of the top tennis players thinks mostly the same way. Here are some examples:
Novak Djokovic said: “The technology is so advanced right now, there is absolutely no reason why you should keep line umpires on the court. That’s my opinion”,
John McEnroe said: “I think that tennis is one of the few sports where you don’t need umpires or linesmen. If you have this equipment, and it’s accurate, isn’t it nice to know that the correct call’s being made?”

There are some legend players that have a bit different opinion on that topic:
Rafael Nadal said: “I don’t want to create controversy, but I think the traditional court with line judges looks much nicer”

Is Hawk-eye only present in tennis?

Of course not. Hawk-eye is present in many other sports such as volleyball, football and even basketball. The system is an increasingly common solution used at large tournaments, replacing old and outdated systems. We could see this solution, among others, during many NBA games and Premier League matches.

As a volleyball fan, I hope that in Plusliga we will replace verification from ordinary recordings with much more advanced systems that will automatically verify things that do not require a human to verify.

Sources:

https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawk-Eye

http://www.tennisviewmag.com/tennis-view-magazine/article/hawkeye-facts-behind-controversy

https://sarinachewyr10pass.weebly.com/hawk-eye.html

https://www.topendsports.com/sport/tennis/hawkeye.htm

https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sport/tennis/wimbledon-hawk-eye/

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ski with a bot

Reading Time: 2 minutes

When I was 2, I started my journey with skiing. My only regret is that I haven’t started professional career as a kid, but I am trying to improve my skiing by every opportunity. I even took coach courses and trainings to be able to spread my passion to others.
While looking how my major ( AI ) could be connected to my passion I stepped on a revolutionary and outstanding idea.

Skiing is all about understanding the forces around u and making your muscles to use them well ,to go as fast and efficient as you can. But it takes a lot of experience and many tries and errors to achieve that. It is crucial to see and understand your mistakes but still it takes many slopes to correct one.

For making the process shorter and more effective CARV introduced a device containing: shoe-pad an electronic processor and software ( app ) that measures every force and analyse it, to eventually correct your mistakes even in live timing via headphones. It collects hundred thousands of data to show you how your turns could be improved and what you should change to be faster and better.
If your hands are not in the right position, for example not as up front as they should be, they are misplacing the downforce from the tips of your ski to the back and you are losing traction and ability to turn. This app after such mistake, would show you how your shoe and skis were behaving during each phase of a turn and the most important- it would show you a solution and couple of exercises how to correct that.

I can see a bunch of potential in it, in case of professional and also amateur skiing. Professional teams can use it to analyse every slalom run and after every race or training, they would be able give the best possible feedback to their athlete. Also in FIS World Cup, Longines introduced really similar but simpler thing. Device that is showing all skier parameters during a run in live timing to the TV stations, making the championships and experience much more interesting to watch. For the amateur users who want to improve their skills, that device could be a tool that helps your personal trainer in doing his job just quicker and additionally, it could be great advertisement of such services. Just imagine a company campaign boasting about using AI to teach skiing.

In my opinion that is the future of teaching this sport and as we are often scared of many AI and tech news- we shouldn’t, because such devices won’t replace us as coaches but can help us in developing better performances and techniques of our customers. If you ask me, I would spend so much time studying this app, because at my level of experience, when I can correct my mistakes, usually by myself, it would save a lot of money and time to become a better skier and instructor. Let me know how about you, and in what sports AI and tech could be a game changer?

sources

Longines technology (FIS WC) : https://www.fis-ski.com/en/international-ski-federation/news-multimedia/news/article=longines-launches-live-alpine-data-system

AI in sports: https://imaginovation.net/blog/ai-in-sports-industry/

Carv review: https://www.skimag.com/gear/carv-ai-technology-for-skiers/

https://getcarv.com

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myKROSS – application for bike lovers

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Rating: 5 out of 5.

MyKROSS is a free application available on mobile devices with Android and iOS. It brings together cycling enthusiasts of various levels, from those who go for a short ride on a bike to professional cyclists for long distances.

The app allows users to scan their KROSS’ bike, one or more, with the NFC code and add it to the app. The user can also add a different brand’s bike manually. After the bike appears in the application preview, the user can obtain all possible information about his model, the number of the frame, forks, wheels, driving elements, brakes and much more.

The application offers the creation of a community in which users create routes for cycling and share them in the application for the other bike enthusiasts by adding ratings, photos, and comments. Then, other cycling fans, regardless of what part of Poland they are in, can use the proposed routes in their area, filtering according to the length of the road, surface or opinions and comments. The application informs the cyclist on a current basis about the distance, speed and time covered by him and displays the route covered so far. Records all parameters that can be shared with other cyclists after the completed route.

Based on the interaction with the user, the date of purchase of the equipment and the number of kilometres travelled in different weather and terrain, depending on the bicycle manufacturer the application will suggest to the user a technical, warranty, periodic or seasonal review of the bike or its specific elements.

In the application, the user has access to the full specification of the bike even when he does not have it with him which allows checking the necessary information about the bike’s accessories, and then using the map of service points and shops recommended by KROSS to do the review, buy new equipment or prepare the bike for the cycling season.

MyKROSS is an innovative application for customers of the KROSS brand and the other cyclists. Not only for those who start their adventure by riding a bike or like to go for a short ride, but also the professional ones. It enables and makes it easier to check regularly your bicycle equipment. Allows you to discover and share new interesting routes and share your passion with others.

Sources:

https://kross.eu/pl/aplikacja-mykross

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.kross.mykross&hl=pl&gl=US

https://apppage.net/preview/pl.kross.mykross

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Adidas Runtastic and the rise of sport-related social media platforms.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

BE THE CHANGE.
Start a workout plan, challenge yourself, and get stronger with each workout. Whether you’re getting ready for your first run or grabbing your bike for a bike ride, every activity counts. No matter how close you are to achieving your fitness goals, reach new heights with the Adidas Runtastic app.

That is the intro text from the Adidas App a social media especially for running and other sports activities. Choose muscle groups and create your own workout, customized to your calendar. Participate in Challenges: Compete with others and challenge yourself again and again. Work out anytime, anywhere. All that is possible with the application.

It is also possible to add your friends, compare their activities with you, and even leave comments and track them live, while they, for example, are running. I myself have been using this app for half a year and recognize the benefits. Not only it is very interesting to see what your colleagues are doing but also to get motivated and push yourself to the limits.

information_image

But the most remarkable fact I experienced is that I indeed use the Adidas running app as a kind of social media platform. I leave a lot of comments, motivate my friends, and even arrange meetings for running with them. But you can share your activities not only with your personal friends but also with people in your town and also all over the world. There are specified ranking for specific regions. This is obviously another point that definitely pushes you even more.

Even though these kinds of applications maybe not the most exciting types of new platforms, it is a very nice feature that definitely uplifts your personal experience and progress in doing sports. I am very happy that I found this app and could convince myself about its advantages.

I have also recommended this app to others and after only 3 months, I now have many contacts and competitors who motivate and challenge me. It needs to be added, that I have struggled with motivation problems from my own experience. Through this app, you are urged to follow your friends and also do sports regularly.
It doesn’t matter what kind of sports you want to do, but it must be said that this app is designed for jogging. Even though there are social challenges in soccer or basketball too, they motivate you and give you an incentive that many people could use in the modern days of digital media and gaming.


Of course, the Adidas running app is not the only app for sports activities. There are many alternatives that are similar. Especially this year, because of the corona crisis it is especially important to stay active and also communicate with your friends. So you don’t feel alone during these hard and lonely times.

Last but not least, I can only recommend everyone to download a running app and give this app a chance. I myself was a bit skeptical at the beginning, but my concerns have not been confirmed and the Adidas running app achieves exactly its purpose. And that is to do regular sports and also to maintain social contact.

Sources:

https://www.runtastic.com/de/

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E-sport means gaming?

Reading Time: 2 minutesWhen we talk about e-sport we imagine immediately guys in front of the computers who are playing CS Go, LOL or StarCraft. What about traditional meaning of ‘sport’? Is it possible to organize online sport competition and attract people to take part in it?

Various sports disciplines are used technical facilities such as measuring devices, additional referee who are only tracking recordings instead of the real game and have possibilities to replay it again. On the Internet, there are possibilities for consultation, purchase training plans, hiring an online coach.

DigitalCup is a great example of this trend: very innovative, uses modern technology and devoted to the reality. In 2012 the website was established. It offers online competition in four different equestrian disciplines: jumping, dressage, eventing (horse trials) and reining. On its website, it is posted a competition proposal with a required program. After paying the entry fee, the riders record the videos with their trials. Then they send it back and the video is assessed by the experts. After one or two weeks the results are announced, the awards handed out and every rider gets feedback about his trial.

horse-computer

https://evrythng.com/?attachment_id=960

Why is it working?

Horse riding is very expensive. It requires costly equipment, special infrastructure, an appropriate horse which can be rented or bought. If the rider wants to participate in a competition he needs to incur additional costs: entry fee, transportation costs, medical examination, registration in the association. Besides, participate in a competition involves a lot of stress for both rider and horse. Horses taking part in the competition must undergo a long and arduous training before they leave home stables. The horses act differently in a new place, can be disobedient and cause problems.

What is the future of sport?

In the digital age we are forced to redefine certain aspects of our lives. This also applies to sport. Is it means that Olympic Games 2040 we will watch only on YouTube and sportsman will not even leave their hometowns?  Or rivalry and emotion will turn out more important than money and convenience?

 

www.digitalcup.pl

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