Technology has always played a pivotal role in shaping the world of sports, particularly in recent years. From data-driven, goal-line technology to advanced, innovative equipment worn by athletes, new developments have led to improved performance, immersive broadcasts, and in-depth analysis among professional league pundits.
Two specific emerging technologies - namely artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR) - have also experienced their own share of advances and evolution, with both now widely used in various industries. It looks like they are both poised to further transform many aspects of sports. In this short guide, you can find an overview of the current influence of AI and AR in sports, as well as some likely applications that could emerge in the coming years.
Current and Emerging AI Applications in Sports
There are many applications of AI in sports, so much so this specific niche within AI will reach a valuation of over $19.2 billion by 2030.
Some real-use examples include:
Player performance and statistics - Predictive analytics and AI algorithms help sports clubs boost athlete performance and health, often with the help of wearable technology and motion-tracking tools. Analyzing player performance with AI helps coaches gain real-time insights and data to identify strengths, weaknesses and injury risks, and alter game strategies as a result.
Personalized training programs - AI-powered diet plans use machine learning to customize and recommend athletes' individual meal plans and training schedules, based on their needs and current characteristics. These are aided by the use of smartwatches and heart rate monitors that produce razor-sharp insights and data about nutrition and fitness.
Ticketing - The ethical and moral conundrum of using AI for ticket distribution and purchasing aside, its ability to accurately predict and forecast attendance is quite extraordinary. The use of predictive analytics helps officials maintain feasible supply and demand levels.
Predictions and betting - Sports betting and gambling are a prevalent sector that regulators have been trying to get a firm grip on for decades. However, AI algorithms can help providers offer real-time predictions and tailor odds accordingly, where the progression of matches influences odds and potential winnings. While AI-powered betting is never a failsafe method of predicting exact outcomes, the algorithms can get pretty close with influential factors including team formation, goals scored, bookings, chances, etc.
Reports and analyses - Highlights and coverage are hugely important in sports, with real-time updates and developments required. AI has made this segment of sports journalism somewhat easier, with AI-driven platforms scoring data and developments into narratives using natural language processing. Syncing these updates intelligently with social media and website feeds means broadcasters can boost engagement and visibility.
In the near future, we will see AI become even more embedded in sports, ranging from training processes and realistic simulations in sports like golf, football, basketball and hockey, among others. Athletes and coaches may commonly use AI assistants that can analyze techniques and predict performance levels based on data.
Current and Future AR Applications in Sports Broadcasting
Augmented reality isn't an entirely new concept in sports, with graphic-laden videos, scores, lineups and interactive content becoming almost second nature to regular sports watchers on TV. However, AR technologies are evolving rapidly, and creating more interactive and immersive experiences for viewers.
Augmented reality is entering sports broadcasting to engage and inform audiences in new ways such as:
Virtual training - AR technology provides athletes with virtual guidance and feedback during training sessions, and simulates game-like situations and developments to improve decision-making.
Fan engagement - Big brands like the NFL use AR through their native apps which allow fans to access real-time statistics, play games, and gain interactive experiences.
Virtual sports events - AR can be used to create realistic experiences, allowing users to enter a 'gamified' environment, a de-facto video game which mirrors the sensation of a genuine event.
eSports and gaming - eSports competitions can be enhanced with the integration of AR-powered elements, creating engaging and immersive experiences for players and spectators.
Wearable devices - Smart glasses and virtual reality headsets have been tested in coaching and training environments, as well as medical and enhancement departments, to provide athletes with real-time statistics and recommendations to help improve skills or speed up recovery.
Stadium experiences - AR-powered apps and tools allow users to interactively peruse the grounds of sports stadiums and take virtual tours, creating a realistic simulation of life on the inside.
The Future of AI and AR in Sports
Artificial intelligence and augmented reality are projected to transform sports training, broadcasting, and fan engagement in the coming years.
Soon, AI tools will be able to help personalize training programs even more extensively, thereby preventing more injuries. Immersive VR/AR training spaces enabled by AI are also on the horizon, with realistic practice scenarios seemingly just around the corner. Whether this is realistic practice games in team sports or first-person perspectives in motor racing simulations, this realistic and immersive training experience is the future.
It's expected that predictive analytics and cognitive monitoring are going to be refined and improved. Data can be gathered and aggregated to monitor stress, recovery, hydration and more. When these are then balanced with performance stats, they can be consolidated and learned from over time. With the help of machine learning, coaches can then fine-tune and optimize training programs.
In broadcasting, AR will likely become the standard for enhancing video with statistics, replays, and graphics. Viewers will continue to gain access to more intricate details like player positioning and heatmaps, thus enhancing the experience. The immersive replay capabilities will take the viewer closer to the action, viewing highlights from even more angles.
AR could also provide interactive, gamified viewing experiences through sports apps and mobile devices. Broadcasts may someday become fully customizable with AR, with users being able to use their cell phones to engage with sports content in innovative ways.
Overall, the sports industry is accelerating into a new data-driven era, where athletes and fans will benefit from highly personalized, AI- and AR-powered experiences. Those embracing these emerging technologies now will have a long-term advantage as they reshape the sports industry.
As these examples demonstrate, AI and AR are already becoming firmly ingrained across the competitive sports industry, from broadcasting to consumption. While the transformative impact is hard to predict, the influence of AI and AR looks poised to accelerate in the coming years, as these technologies mature and become more readily available.
Ultimately, the future looks bright for a more data-driven and personalized sports industry. The sports leagues, companies and brands worldwide that embrace these emerging technologies will see first-hand how advantageous they can be in making the modern fan experience that much more engaging.
