Intel has teamed up with the X Games again for the Austin games this coming June, to stream real-time data from each athlete’s performance. They did similar work at the X Games Aspen to create game changing analysis for the fans, coaches and athletes. At the Aspen games, Intel attached a small device called, an Intel Curie, to athletes and their equipment.
The Curie is about the size of a Lego, is low-powered, and can be attached to any moving part, whether that is the board or the athlete. This collects data on the athlete’s performance, including speed, degree of rotation, jump height, and force measurement on takeoff and landing. Then the performance data is used in real-time for fans to see on-site and at home on the live broadcast.
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At the X Games this summer in Austin, Intel plans to do what they did for the winter games, but instead of attaching to boards, they will attach the Curie to the rider’s bikes, helmets and skateboards. And like the winter X Games the same data will be collected. Brian Krzanich, Intel CEO explained how the Curie system will allow for more informative announcing. “Companies like ESPN and their announcers will get the same data sent in real time… they can start talking about even more data.”
Each athlete will have a small holder on their bike or helmet where the Curie can slide into, much like a GoPro mount. Then the small device is placed in the mount and collects data during the race. Tim Reed, VP of X Games said, “There are a lot of spins and they happen pretty quick, so actually having real time graphics will allow the announces, fans, and audience at home to better understand this stuff.”
One of the worries of the device was that the X Games is a large event and it may be difficult to transmit data. But Intel set up multiple receivers throughout the course to capture the data. Another issue they had during the Aspen games, one they won’t have this summer, is they had to deal with snow. They had to redesign the device to withstand the elements, and it worked.
Although there are a lot of systems involving fitness trackers on the market, the Curie is different because it has the ability to measure so many different movements and communicate date live, allowing for immediate feedback and quick comparison of data. Athletes and coaches can see how their turns or jumps compare to other athletes.