The NBA experiments with a digital brain for basketballs.
The system is the idea of Sportiq, a Finnish startup that develops intelligent basket balls.
Sportiq embedded a sensor in the valve of each ball that follows the shots of a player. Data is first extracted in shape, position, angle, strength and technology. Next, the information for AI analysis is transferred to a mobile app. Players then receive direct feedback and advice.
According to Sportiq, over 20 million shots have already been pursued. The company estimates that regular users improve their shooting accuracy by 12%.
The 💜 the EU technology
The latest rumors from the EU -Tech scene, a story of our wise old founder Boris and some questionable KI art. It is free of charge every week in your inbox. Register now!
The results impressed Bigwigs in the NBA. They revealed this week that Sportiq was Selected for Launchpad, the league tech left.
During the six -month program, Sportiq from NBA receives practical support and resources to develop its technology. It culminates with a presentation in front of the managers, partners and investors of the league during the prestigious NBA Summer League.
Erik Anderson, CEO of Sportiq, said the process of integrating the system of his company at the highest level of his basketball.
“This partnership opens up doors that are rare for startups,” Anderson told TNW. “It positions us to improve the office, provide deeper analyzes for teams and improve the fan experience – and at the same time to remain loyal to our vision, make basketball more intelligent and connected.”
Build more intelligent basketballs
Basketball is the root of Sportiq. The founder of the startup, Harri Hohteri, is a former professional player and computer scientist.
Sport is also ripe for data -driven disorders. “Basketball has a gap in analysis solutions, especially at the consumer level, compared to other sports, ”said Anderson.
“This offers a clear opportunity to bring players, trainers and fans innovative and accessible tools equally and to revolutionize the way the game is understood and played. “
Credit: Sportiqanderson (left) and Hohteri believe that basketball is under -supplied by analyzes. Credit: Sportiq
Sportiq is also a rare example of a European consumer technology company that brings into the USA. According to the startup, thousands of Americans buy their intelligent basket balls a year. Startpad offers the opportunity to increase these numbers.
Sportiq is the only European company in the program this year. Encourt is accessible to the finish startup, which translates the gameplay in haptics and generative audio for visually impaired fans. Vreps, an educational platform that improves basketball -iq; Somnee, which has developed a clinical sleep diagnostically and a therapeutic headband; And Trashie, a clothing recycling and reward platform.
The squad deserved its places after taking innovations that appeal to the main goals of Launchpad. For the sport itself, the program prioritizes the future of the office, the youth basketball and the health of the players. For business with basketball, the focus is on the future of the media, fan connection and effects.
Sportiq will also benefit from the orientation of these goals. By joining the launchpad, the company hopes to expand its product lines, usage cases, sources of income and technological skills.
But the NBA is just a starting point for Sportiq. The company is already planning to expand into new markets and its sensor system can adapt to numerous sports.
As Anderson puts it: “Every ball can be smart.”
Comments are closed.