The FIFA World Cup is over, but did you know the soccer balls had special sensors in them to collect data? The 2022 World Cup was the first World Cup that utilized this new AI technology designed by KINEXON.
The sensor inside the ball collects position and movement data using ultra-wide band radio signals and an inertial measurement unit. In combination with KINEXON's Local Positioning System, the sensor is then able to measure where and how fast the ball moved, relaying that information to referees in fewer than 20 microseconds. The LPS is a bunch of antennae that are placed around the stadium that directly talks to the ball to let it know where it is located at any time. This can make reviewing and making decisions about the game faster and more accurate than ever. With these measurements it can also be determined if the ball has been hit or if it was missed.
Another piece of technology in the ball is the suspension system created by Adias to hold the sensor in place. This system makes sure the sensor doesn't break and can't be removed during gameplay.
Cameras and data point trackers are still utilized throughout the stadium to track the field and players. Each player has 29 data points that tracks their limbs and body. This way the information from the ball can be used in combination to report information to the fans and help officials. See the video below to get a better understanding of how the technology all works together to help make offside calls in games.
Other applications for this data could be used in video games much like motion capture is used now. Events and motions that happened during specific soccer games could then be imported into video games alongside the motion captured data.
