The workshop brought together academic experts, Research and Innovation Office colleagues, and industry partners to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and sports. Professor Jo Maher, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Sport, actively participated in insightful discussions during the workshop, enhancing the collaborative efforts and ensuring a fruitful exchange of ideas.
Academic experts varied from method providers in AI, data science and computational modelling to sport experts. Each academic at the workshop provided a brief introduction of themselves, including their expertise that could contribute to the field of AI in sport and what areas they’d be interested in exploring.
The first industry insight came from ai.io, a sports-tech company leveraging innovative solutions such as 3D Athlete Tracking to help identify the next-generation of sporting talent. Following ai.io, SkillCorner shared their expertise in single-camera video tracking across various sports, using computer vision and AI, with partnerships including Burnley FC and Chelsea FC.
Catapult then presented their analytics services, used by over 4,000 teams globally, including Real Madrid FC and BMW Motorsport, focusing on wearable devices and video analysis. Vayu Technology introduced Equilibrium, their sensor technology and AI app for personal well-being and biomechanics, aimed at performance improvement and injury prevention. Lastly, TrainingPeaks discussed their web-based and mobile platforms for training program management, supporting a wide range of athletes from race car drivers to mountaineers.
Research and Innovation Office colleagues introduced themselves and spoke about the support they offer to internal and external partners followed by a presentation from George Lycett and Fran Keogh about Knowledge Transfer Partnerships and the opportunity for academics to deliver an innovative project alongside an industry partner, using their research to shape the future through KTP.
The workshop was wrapped up with potential project discussions, encouraging academics, RIO colleagues and industry partners to consider where collaborations could take place.