Whether it’s smarter sporting equipment or more personalized training programs, sports technology is reshaping how fans engage, athletes train and sports generate value.
The engine of today’s sports technology progress is artificial intelligence and augmented reality (AR): AI-powered analytics transform the massive amounts of data available into actionable insights that improve performance, enhance player safety, optimize training plans and even identify talent through gameplay analysis. These systems are now being integrated into major sports organizations, and they will soon be accessible to amateur players as well.
Wearable technology is another key trend, with aggregation of sports biometric and fitness metrics (like heart rate, body temperature, sleep patterns) into single apps that make it easier for coaches to understand athlete health and performance. For example, Firstbeat Sports aggregates multiple wearable devices and provides a single score as a benchmark for an athlete’s general fitness and recovery.
Finally, technological innovations in sports equipment are improving athlete safety and comfort. For example, the use of graphene in sports racquets and bats offers increased energy return with lighter swing weight, a benefit welcomed by top ATP pro Novak Djokovic. Moreover, smart helmets are helping prevent injuries by measuring the impact of hits, and by detecting changes in posture.
Other important sports technology trends include the emergence of esports, the rise of women’s sports, and personalization in training. The latter is facilitated by the growing availability of smart training apps that analyze and deliver tailored exercise routines to meet athletes’ specific needs. These technologies recognize that different sports require varying physical and technical demands, such as goalkeepers who focus on reflexes rather than endurance.