5 cool technologies in sport

We take a look at 5 technologies that are changing sport today

August 18, 2012

The sporting world is changing a significant amount with the introduction of new technologies, such as third match official (TMO) tech, goal-line technology, Eagle Eye, Radio Frequency Identification Technology, and direct force measurement tech.

Development of sports-related tech has evolved the viewing and performance aspects of fans and athletes, respectively.

The following tech has been implemented into a variety of sports, enhancing accuracy and competitiveness.

TMO (Third Match Official) technology

Technical audio and video replays have become a cornerstone for refereeing in modern sport.

Instant replays are aids for referees to make the right calls, as a third match official (TMO) is usually situated off the field and monitors TV replays.

High-speed cameras and microphones assist in capturing and recalling correct decisions for high speed sports.

TMOs are used to determine when on-field officials are unable to make a call.

Goal-line technology

Goal-line technology attempts to correctly determine whether a ball has crossed a goal line. The Goal-line technology system uses a “smartball”, which is fitted with a tracking chip.

Receivers placed around the field can determine exactly where the ball is, therefore confirming whether a ball has fully crossed the goal-line or not.

The result will then be transmitted to a watch that the referee wears.

Goal-line technology.

Hawk-Eye technology

Used for cricket and tennis, Hawk-Eye uses special cameras to trace ball-trajectory.

The system uses a camera capable of capturing 600 frames a second. When a ball is traced, data is sent to a computer to be analysed.

Information is then passed on to umpires or referees.

Hawk-Eye technology is prominent in tennis.

Radio Frequency Identification Technology (RFID)

Radio Frequency Identification tags use micro location technology to transmit exact coordinates of the ball and players.

The system can calculate locations 2,000 times per second, and is used to calculate movement, speed, accuracy, and even force of impact.

European rugby teams are currently experimenting with the tech, which will determine if a ball was grounded, or a player was out.

Radio Frequency Identification Technology (RFID)

Power meters

Power meters have been an inclusion in cycling since the late 80s, but the capturing of direct applied force is changing the role of power meters in the sport.

The latest iterations of power meters replace the need to measure heart rate and pulse, and instead show direct force exerted.

Power meters can now calculate power based on magnitude and direction of force.

Each leg can be independently monitored to improve efficiency and peddaling style.