It’s not just about the game anymore. An increasingly digital world is forcing the sports industry to adapt, and the Internet of Things (IoT) can bridge the gap between the physical world and the digital space.
Many organisations are utilizing IoT today in specific areas to address a particular need or challenge. Teams are focusing their IoT efforts on four main areas:
Player development
IoT is revolutionizing the way coaches facilitate training, manage players, and address key situations in each game. Combining advanced analytics with sensors and game video, coaches can easily process vast amounts of data to obtain metrics on player efficiency, player performance, and opponent weaknesses to better develop an in-game strategy.
Preventing Injury the Smart Way
IoT is shaping the way that sports physicians, physical therapists, and team doctors are reducing injuries and helping players heal faster. Embedded devices such as smart insoles and built-in chips offer real-time tracking that provides a holistic view of the athlete, allowing organizations to make the best decision for their longevity and health.Through IoT, athletes identify ways to maximize performance while mitigating injury risk. Look no further than the weight room, a traditional enclave of athletes-in-training, to find IoT at work. Here, athletes wear clothing with integrated sensors while exercising. Vital statistics such as heart rate and breathing rate are measured throughout the workout.These sensors identify points where exercise is most efficient without becoming dangerously strenuous.
Playing Ahead of the Competition
Coaches aren’t relying on IoT merely to manage their own players. Teams discover hidden weaknesses and exploitation opportunities by reviewing the performance metrics of opponents. IoT provides situational data so rapidly that teams may shift strategy proactively during games.Significant course-altering decisions made in-game like this were rare and reactionary in the past, relying heavily on the gut instincts of coaches. With 75 billion connected devices worldwide expected by 2020, IoT is surging. While the sports world offers some exciting current use cases, we’re only beginning to see what this transformative technology can do for both athletes and fans.
Fan engagement
IoT is being used in smart stadiums, improving digital engagement and ultimately the in-arena experience. The stadium of the future is here, allowing fans to engage with their favourite teams and athletes like never before. Many organizations are investing billions of dollars on new stadiums and stadium improvements to focus on the fan experience to get fans off the couch and into the venue.