Keeping ahead with local tech
TECHNOLOGY from South Africa that measures the trajectories of projectiles is now also being used in leisure activities, such as analysing the track and speed of golf and tennis balls.
The technology, FlightScope, indicates the way the ball flies, the way it curves and the way it lands.
This allows golfers and club fitters to see the actual trajectory of the ball from various angles, and also allows players to make precise adjustments to their technique. It is sold in more than 37 countries and is used in top tennis championships, such as Wimbledon.
EDH, the company that manufactures FlightScope, last year opened its marketing head office in Orlando, Florida, in the US.
Last week the group unveiled its putting analysis technology, which measures putter swing and other related factors, such as the profile and speed of the ball movement.
Called the FlightScope Putting Eagle, it is expected to come to market in the third quarter of this year.
FlightScope is intended for the professional market and the putting coach, and will sell for about 6000.
Tom Johnson, chief operating officer of EDH, said that in its last financial year, which ended in February last year, the company had turnover of more than R30-million. This year’s sales will be slightly higher.
The company is privately owned, with a 45 percent stake held by Here Be Dragons (HBD), Mark Shuttleworth’s venture capital company. The company is currently expanding its manufacturing base in Stellenbosch. HBD is looking to make at least one more investment of between R10-million and R25-million in local, early stage business this year. The focus will be companies with innovative ideas with the potential to expand internationally.
SA technology – world leading?
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