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