ai.io – a technology company that has developed a suite of AI-based innovative solutions to analyse and enhance amateur and professional sport data, providing real-time analysis and insights – is harnessing the expertise of the University’s Computer Science department to advance the capabilities of its ‘aiScout’ platform.
The aiScout app gives players the opportunity to trial for some of the most recognisable sporting organisations in the world. Aspiring players can download the app for free and record themselves completing football drills using just a mobile phone. ai.io’s artificial intelligence tech then analyses the footage against hundreds of performance metrics, objectifying and automating the scouting process. This allows clubs and federations – including Chelsea FC, Burnley FC, and Major League Soccer (MLS) – to efficiently identify, analyse, and develop talent globally.
Loughborough’s researchers will embed their expertise in deep learning and computer vision technology into the platform. The core objective is to enhance the analysis of scenes, objects, and player movements from mobile phone footage. This will enable a more precise assessment of performance quality, and a deeper understanding of how environmental factors influence player outcomes.
Image courtesy of ai.io
The collaboration is being delivered through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) – a government-backed scheme funded by Innovate UK that connects businesses with leading universities.
The project will be led by Loughborough’s Professor Baihua Li, Professor Qinggang Meng, and Dr Mohamad Saada, with KTP Associate Dr Liang Fan – selected for the role from more than 140 applicants – at its centre.
Of the partnership, Professor Li said: “Loughborough University is internationally recognised as a world leader in sports science and technology. For us, this partnership showcases how our fundamental research can drive innovation in industry, create new technologies, and benefit athletes and organisations worldwide.
“By working with ai.io, our Computer Science team is driving innovation that transforms how sporting talent is discovered and developed, while creating exciting opportunities for our researchers and students to shape the future of sports technology.”
Dr Chris Howe, Research and Innovation Lead at ai.io, believes the collaboration demonstrates the power of KTPs in driving innovation by “bridging the gap between academic research and commercial application”.
He said: “By embedding Loughborough University's expertise in AI and computer vision directly into ai.io's operations, we are already seeing significant advancements in our technology, enabling early talent detection and identification, and enhancing amateur and professional sports performance.”