ADVANCING HANDBALL DECISIONS: ADIDAS INTRODUCES MICROCHIP IN EURO 2024 BALLS

Why in the News?

  • Adidas, the official ball manufacturer, has integrated microchip technology into the “Fussballliebe,” the Euro 2024 official match ball.
  • The primary goal is to augment the accuracy of handball decisions, particularly during goals.
Source: Indian Express

Functionality of the Microchip System

Limb-Tracking Synergy:

  • The microchip works in tandem with limb-tracking technology to create a detailed 3D image of players’ positions.
  • VAR utilizes this information to precisely determine the point of contact between the ball and the player’s body.

Accurate Decisions making:

  • The chip’s capabilities extend to accurately recording the time the ball was kicked, enhancing precision in offside decisions by leveraging the data it captures.
  • This data aids UEFA’s Video Assistant Refereeing (VAR) system, providing unmatched insights into ball movements.

Challenges:

  • Despite the success, the chip-in-the-ball system presents a more expensive alternative, delaying its integration into the Champions League.
  • Accidental handballs, like deflections off the body, introduce gray areas, sparking disputes in penalty decisions.

Application of AI in sports:

  • Biomechanical Analysis
  • Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation
  • Personalized Training Programs
  • Player Tracking and Movement Analysis
  • Predictive Analytics and Performance Forecasting
  • Real-time Decision-Making Support
  • Fan Engagement
  • Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality
  • Game Strategy
  • Personalized Content and Recommendations