How Artificial Intelligence(AI) Benefits the Sports Industry? The Four Major Applications
Due to the rapid evolution in computing technology and Artificial Intelligence(AI) gradually integrating into our everyday lives, the world of sports has undergone a radical transformation in recent years. AI in sports industry has been used in many sports applications, changing the way athletes, teams, and fans view the game. According to Deloitte’s 2024 Outlook for The Sports Industry, organizations will encounter serval emerging trends in the industry in coming years.
AI is revolutionizing the sports industry, bringing new opportunities and contributing to better performances for athletes in different ways which includes athletes training and performance monitoring, predictions and preventions of injuries, AR and VR simulations training environment and AI assistant as referee support.
Athletes Training and Performance Monitoring
AI systems can monitor and analyse an athlete’s performance during training sessions and competitions through wearable sensors and cameras. These applications can be used to collect and analyse data on an athlete’s biometrics, movement and skills. Take a basketball player as an example, AI can capture his data which includes passing, goals, rebounds, speed, shooting accuracy, etc. The data collected will be turned into actionable insights for coaches to adjust and optimise training methods and setting achievable goals.
Except from self-monitoring, we can also analyse our opponents with the help of AI systems. 3D animations can be generated corresponding to the various motions done by the opponents, allowing players to formulate defence strategies and train more effectively.
Predictions and Preventions of Injuries
In addition to performance analysis, AI can also help to prevent injuries and help athletes to rehabilitate. By analysing athlete’s techniques and movements, AI can identify and correct flaws before possible injury causes. It is particularly useful in sports such as golf and tennis, where exact technique is essential. Moreover, AI can analyse an athlete’s performance and physical condition to predict the likelihood of injury. It can also identify his/her strengths and weaknesses which allows proactive measures to be taken, such as customized training programs and rest intervals. More effective workouts that focus on specific areas of improvement cab also be done.
In case unavoidable injuries happened, personalized rehab plans can be created. AI can accelerate the recovery process by monitoring progress and make necessary adjustments.
AR and VR Simulations Training Environment
Furthermore, AI can be paired with augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies which enables more safe and effective training. The critical aspect of the modern athlete training technique is to capture and understand the motion and movements of the players as much as possible. Using virtual reality, coaches can observe the performance of the players from training sessions and real matches. Players can also be trained through immersive training regimes which allows them to experience different match scenarios through realistic VR training environments. Meanwhile, AR helps overlay digital information onto the real sports environment, providing real-time feedback and facilitating tactical planning.
VR has already been adopted for training by teams such as NCAA, NBA, and NFL. Using virtual reality is a great way to train the mind of athletes without causing strain to their bodies.
AI Assistant as Referee Support
In competition of different scales, there will always be disputes over referees’ judgments, and justice is often at the core of the discussion. Nowadays, AI is being used more and more to help referees make accurate decisions in games. The most familiar one is Hawk-Eye. Hawk-Eye system was developed by British engineer Paul Hawkins in 2001. It uses multiple high-speed cameras to record and track the ball's flight path. AI calculates various data to display the ball's flight path and landing position, thus formulating the in-bounds or out-of-bounds decision. In 2006, the US Open was the first Grand Slam event to use Hawk-Eye technology. In 2013, the English Premier League also introduced Hawkeye technology to determine whether the ball has completely crossed the goal line.
Besides, AI can analyse video footage quickly to identify fouls, situations of offside, and other rules violations. The goal-line technology determines if the ball has crossed over the line. It eliminates controversies about disputed goals. Instant replays are possible with AI, which allows officials to accurately review crucial moments during a match. With these information, referees can often make more accurate decisions.
Overall, AI's integration into the sports industry brings immense benefits. With AI's continued advancements, the sports industry can expect further advancements and enhancements that will shape the future of sports, benefiting athletes, teams, and other related industries.
