Wearable technology is on the verge of becoming a multi-billion dollar industry before the end of the decade. A study by Juniper Research forecasts smart wearable devices to be valued at $19 billion by 2018.
In many ways, this emerging sector has already begun influencing the sports world. Its impact on the industry can be anticipated at all levels, from amateur to professional and youth to collegiate, and is beginning to profoundly change the landscape of sports. From the evaluation of an athletes’ performance, to the ways in which coaches train their teams, emerging technology’s role has become more defined.
As wearable products become a more prominent piece in the technological playing field, their impact on sports will continue to grow exponentially. How various sporting games will be played and managed going forward will inevitably be persuaded by the advancement of technology. Teams, leagues, coaches and players will rely heavily on the introduction of new, innovative products.
Sports have already begun dabbling in this new wave of wearable technology, with running being one of the most commonly associated with the trend. The Wall Street Journal, among other sources, recently announced the introduction of Adidas miCoach Smart Run watch, which hits the shelves November 1, 2013.
This watch serves several purposes and offers value to runners who constantly seek to stay in tune with their training performances. The product, like many others newly introduced to the marketplace, takes advantage of GPS technology, allowing for a more accurate measure of distance and time. These calculations are not only beneficial to judge the runner’s overall performance upon completion of their training, but also allow the athlete to make necessary adjustments over the course of the run, while the action is unfolding.
The Adidas miCoach Smart Run watch also boasts live coaching features, another function runners can use to ensure a successful workout. The device is able to measure the runner’s heart rate through their wrist, meaning a separate product is not required to be worn on the chest. Finally, Bluetooth music accessibility fully equips runners with a wide variety of tools desired to guarantee not only a strong performance but an enjoyable one. This watch has taken into account a concept that many athletes are interested in – less is more – as it combines a plethora of key technological necessities into just one product.
Soccer is another sport that has become keen on keeping up with all that technology has to offer. It is common for athletes to wear shirts and shin guards with sensors embedded within that are able to track crucial information. As with the Adidas miCoach Smart Run watch, these items of clothing can monitor heart rate, running speed and other factors that contribute to the individual’s overall performance.
Abilities of these devices are more extensive than the those of the watch, providing coaches with information regarding speed of players, how long each individual has ball possession, their distances covered and several other factors that contribute to overall performance.
The ability to track every players’ production and analyze who is contributing positively makes it far simpler to implement in-game adjustments to increase production. Having accurate, up-to-date information on the productivity of the individual, along with data regarding heart rate, allows coaching staff to properly assess when it is appropriate to make substitutions.
Recognizing an athlete’s health status, ability to make routine plays and contribution to the team while the game is unfolding is an
advantage coaches can use to achieve a more successful outcome while also protecting the health of athletes who may be susceptible to injury.
Both running and soccer are prime examples of sports that have already begun to take advantage of recently emerging wearable products. However, it is not impossible to surmise how these types of groundbreaking products can be applied to other prominent sports. Football can use wearable technology in similar fashion to soccer, by tracking movements of players and assessing which plays are most successful. This can help improve match-ups with the opposing team and assist in determining when tactical modifications are appropriate.
Improved technology can also monitor the health of players in terms of heart rate and fatigue and potentially prevent injuries from unfolding during the game. Products are already being tested to assess which players are more likely to suffer from impact to the brain, with the use of helmets with sensors. Understanding the repercussions of direct hits to the head has already led to rule changes in the NFL and the advancement of technology can uncover additional data that may suggest further precautions be taken.
Baseball would also reap the benefits of technological advancements. Wired shirts have been tested to measure a pitcher’s effectiveness, arm movement and technique. This ability would allow coaches and pitchers to make necessary adjustments during the game to prevent injuries from occurring.
Being able to evaluate the performance as it unfolds can provide athletes and coaches with more tools and mechanisms to fully understand the strengths and weaknesses of the pitcher, while simultaneously ensuring the players’ health and avoiding the risk of injury. Although products have not taken off quite as prominently in baseball as in other major sports, there is certainly a market for wearable technology, especially as it becomes more advanced and dependable.
Despite being in infantile stages of development as compared with other technologies, wearable products are expected to soar onto the marketplace in the coming years. The sport industry is expected to heavily impact the financial growth of the industry. At this point, new products are being evaluated for effectiveness and contentment by their users and have already garnered a solid presence in the sports arena.
The likelihood of wearable products enduring future success is not only plausible but anticipated. Giving athletes and coaches the ability to measure performances as they unfold and make adjustments during the game will not only lead to increased quality of play, but can prevent devastating injuries from occurring. Athletes have already been influenced by wearable devices in the early stages of its presence.
Once the necessary research is done to make products more sports specific and customizable, the investment by players, teams, coaches and leagues will only strengthen.