Top Tech-Driven Sport Innovations

Technology has transformed our lives in many ways. From beauty tech gadgets to sustainable tech and more – there are many ways that tech has improved our lives. But how has the world of tech infiltrated sport? In this article, we explore some of the top tech-driven sports of today. From golf and F1 to football, there are many ways that tech has now improved sports. 

What Is Sports Tech?

Tech is a part of our everyday lives in many ways. From the tech watches we wear to the phones we use constantly – it is safe to say tech is here to stay. However, tech has also entered the world of sports and helped change how accessible it is today. For instance, F1 technology is the perfect example of how tech can make sports safer, more accessible and even more fun. 

Sports technologies improve athletic performance, enhance training or improve games in some aspect. There are various examples of sporting technology, such as Smart stadiums and eSports to augmented and virtual reality (VR). 

Top 7 Tech Sport Innovations

Below is a list of some of the top tech-driven sports of today. 

1. Formula 1

Formula 1 technology is constantly evolving. It continues to be one of the most innovative and popular sports; for example, fans can now partake in the sport thanks to the F1 simulator games. 

F1 would not be where it is today without the innovation of tech. Yet, there is one honourable mention that has made F1 what it is today – the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) device that debuted in 2009. The device, in simple terms, is a hybrid technology that recovers kinetic energy while the car brakes and produces heat. Hence, wasted energy is used for boosting power (precisely 80 bhp for up to 6 seconds) in the car. 

Originally, the KERS device was not popular with only four teams using it. However, today all F1 cars now rely on ERS within their power units which have resulted in even better engine performance. 

2. Football 

Football attracts 5 billion fans worldwide. Similarly to F1, the sport has continuously evolved thanks to the innovations of tech. One major football tech innovation is VAR (Video Assistant Referees). Invented in 2010 under the Royal Netherlands Football Association, the system uses video technologies to referee the game. There are many benefits to VAR, such as preventing poorly-made offside decisions, reducing time and helping increase referees’ decisions. 

3. Golf 

Whether it be popular tech golf games, like at Topgolf UK, modern golf glove technology or new and improved golf balls – there has been plenty of tech innovations that have changed the world of golf for both professionals and fans. Nevertheless, there is one invention that has changed the fundamentals of golfing – new and improved golf clubs. More specifically, driver heads. 

Golf clubs have changed dramatically in the last few decades. Today, aerodynamics is at the core of manufacturing driver heads. In short, they are lighter, and stronger and have helped improve the performance of the game overall.

4. NASCAR

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) is the largest auto-racing association in the USA today. While our other honourable mentions predominantly focus on improving game performance, NASCAR has seen a tech innovation that has improved the safety of the sport for both fans and athletes. 

SAFER (Steel and Foam Energy Reduction) barriers became widespread by 2006. It essentially reduces impact energy for drivers and the possibility of flying debris off-track. The invention has resulted in the founders of the Midwest Roadside Safety Facility at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln winning several awards. 

5. American Football 

Biometrics, body measurements via technology, have been used in the NFL (National Football League) since 2017. Athletes have been tracked via wearable monitors, such as through smartwatches, wristbands and even clothing. Biometric monitors in the NFL have resulted in better data collection of athlete performance. They can monitor exact speeds, the fastest athlete speeds as well as specific locations while athletes play on the field. Biometrics are likely to continue to infiltrate the world of sport – and have helped improve player performance and game strategy. 

6. Tennis

Hawk-eye technology was launched in 2001 and was invented by Paul Hawkins, a British computer expert. It is a computer-vision system that is not only used in tennis but also rugby, Gaelic football and even volleyball. Hawk-eye technology essentially helps umpires decide whether a ball was in or out. It can visually track the trajectory of a ball, hence, making the game fairer and certainly more engaging as fans can also watch it unfold. The system first debuted in 2006 at Wimbledon and has since gone on to take the rest of the tennis world by storm. 

7. Swimming

Timing athletes is also easier, thanks to technology. Swimming has especially improved thanks to touchpad sensors. Introduced first in 1967, swimming touchpad technology has since developed and has helped athlete’s performance results. Long gone are the days of stopwatches – touchpad sensors, and automatic electronic timing devices, eliminate human error. Swimmers’ race times are automatically recorded, whether it be through lane or starting block touchpads. 

Lastly, another honourable mention of swimming technology is goggles for visually impaired athletes. Developed by a final year product design student, Mirthe Hofstede, Optic goggles which use infrared beams and ultrasonic technology remove the need for a tapper (a person who taps a swimmer with the end of a pole to signal they are near the edge of the pool or need to turn).