PROJECT PASCAL FORUM

 

Technology Revolutionizing Sport

Professor Andy Harland, Loughborough University

Host: Taeyoung Kang

                                                      Organized by Project Pascal                                                        

Pascal Panel: Sashil Anand, Terrence Lim, Kushagra Kesarwani

 

 

The Evolving Landscape of Sports Performance and Equipment Design

Professor Harland delves into the transformative potential of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), sport engineering, and virtual reality (VR), on the future of sports performance and equipment design.

 

Experimental Environment of Sports:

Professor Harland highlights sports as a fertile experimental ground for the integration of novel technologies. Unlike industries constrained by regulatory barriers, sports provide an accessible arena for testing and implementing innovations in performance and equipment design. Athletes serve as real-time feedback conduits, facilitating rapid iteration and refinement of new technologies within the dynamic landscape of sports.

 

Virtual Reality in Sports:

The advent of VR technologies heralds a paradigm shift in sports training and competition. Professor Harland exemplifies the impact of VR in revolutionizing sports engagement, citing instances such as virtual cycling platforms enabling remote competitions, thereby mitigating geographical constraints and offering safety benefits. VR simulations offer athletes immersive training experiences, replicating stadium environments and enhancing preparation for real-world competitions.

 

Role of Artificial Intelligence:

The abundance of sports data presents opportunities for AI-driven insights into athlete performance and injury prevention. Professor Harland underscores the transformative potential of AI algorithms in analyzing vast datasets to identify patterns, optimize training protocols, and predict injury risks. However, he emphasizes the indispensable role of human expertise in framing pertinent inquiries to unlock the full potential of AI in sports analysis and problem-solving.

 

Ethical Considerations:

Amidst the technological revolution in sports, ethical governance assumes paramount importance to safeguard integrity and equity. Professor Harland underscores the imperative of responsible utilization of technology to uphold fairness and inclusivity in sports. Collaborative endeavors among sports federations and regulatory bodies are indispensable in establishing ethical standards and fostering an environment where technological innovations serve as enablers of equitable sporting opportunities.

 

Future Outlook:

Looking ahead, Professor Harland envisions a future where technology enhances sports accessibility and fairness while preserving the essence of physical competition. While virtual competitions may complement traditional sports events, the human element will remain central to the sporting experience. The challenge lies in leveraging technology to create a more inclusive and equitable sports landscape, where talent is recognized and nurtured irrespective of geographical or socioeconomic barriers.

Professor Harland underscores the transformative potential of emerging technologies in reshaping the landscape of sports, advocating for responsible governance and ethical utilization to foster inclusivity and elevate athletic performance. By harnessing the synergy between AI, VR, and sport engineering, the future of sports promises innovation, accessibility, and unparalleled athletic excellence.

 

About Professor Andy Harland

Professor Harland is active in research across a broad range of topics related to sport, including measurement and instrumentation in sport, product design and development, injury prevention and simulation.

A number of projects have been concerned with sports footwear, apparel, protective gear and hard-goods, with particular focus on a wide range of hollow and solid sports balls.

Professor Harland’s research in soccer balls has been applied by adidas in tournament balls used in FIFA world cups since 2006 and UEFA European Championships since 2004 and his research in cricket helmet impacts underpinned the revision of the British Standard 7928:2013; Specification for Head Protection for Cricketers.

Professor Harland has partnered with a wide range of industrial, commercial and charitable bodies, including adidas, FIFA, England and Wales Cricket Board, International Cricket Council, BISFed and FIH.

Professor Harland has also supported a number of start-up businesses including Alcuris, Incus, Nymbl and Shot Scope and is keen to support ideas through to commercialisation.

 

About Sports Technology Institute, Loughborough University, UK

The world-leading Sports Technology Research Group was established to have a positive global, social and economic impact on sport through excellent engineering research, teaching and enterprise. The Group has an international reputation for its work with global brands and federations including adidas, PING, Head, FIFA, Wattbike, England & Wales Cricket Board, New Balance, Nike, UK Sport, Reebok, Speedo and Umbro on the design, simulation, testing and manufacture of sporting goods. It is based in the University’s £15 million Sports Technology Institute, which boasts a range of state-of-the-art equipment and bespoke test rigs.

For more information, visit www.lboro.ac.uk/research/sti/