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10 ways robots will positively impact sports

For a long time, we have associated robots with the future. From sci-fi movies to Japanese households, robots have taken over everyone’s futuristic hopes. Sports as an industry will not be the exception to this rule, and it will also embrace robotics. It doesn’t matter whether you are a fan, athlete, coach or even the owner of a team. You will be affected by the push for robotics and robots to be incorporated into your places of work.

Here are 10 ways we think robots will positively impact the world of sports

Stadium workings

We all know how much of a pain stadium logistics are. From standing in long queues to going through the cesspool of work behind, stadium logistics are very complicated. In the future, both front and back-end logistics in stadiums will benefit from a robotic overhaul. Imagine travelling to the stadium in a futuristic robotic car, where your car parks itself. Then, crowd management systems run by robots will ensure smooth and hassle-free experiences. Moreover, those dreaded queues can finally be avoided. The article is exclusively written  by Sportitnow, a platform where you can completely get Formula 1 latest news and updates.

Stadium experience

When you go to stadiums to watch games and need some information, or some fun facts, what if robots have your back? Furthermore, robotized kiosks can deliver your order within minutes, and even drones could do this sort of work. It sounds cluttered, but it would be convenient.

Sports retailing

Buying merchandise and other things from stadiums, the transactions and everything else can be robotized for better results. Order management would be so much easier this way. When it comes to the stadiums themselves, stock management and purchase of supplies may not require human supervision if robots are involved. It may be costly, but it has lots of advantages.

Refereeing

At a time when we are all but using the best technology in sports for accurate judgments and decisions (like VAR and GLT/GDS in football), robots could outright be referees as well. With their sensors and view of the pitch, we think they will miss little of the action, and will be able to spot fouls and other aspects of the game no matter where they are on the pitch. 

Of course, human temperament in sports cannot be determined by robots. So until then, robot referees could be used as assistants and support for the human one on the pitch.

Training partners

Robots may also be seen doing bits in training and coaching. There are robots today which serve as practice dummies in rugby. This is to avoid injuries, yet give a proper sense of the game. They can also serve as sparring partners for sports like boxing and the like. They will help improve your technique and execution.

Competition

We go one step further and imagine competition between humans and robots. Any competitive 1v1 sport can have a human vs robot element to it. We saw it long back with the reigning chess champion vs supercomputer. Now we could extend it to other sports, like table tennis, boxing and badminton.

This could also attract large viewership, particularly if there is a star involved against, um, the best model in the business. Robots could even win a few of these, and we wouldn’t be complaining. That HIMYM fantasy of Robots vs Wrestlers could very well become a reality.

Robot security

Security in stadiums is necessary, especially because emotions run high at such places. Whether it is protests or violent behaviour, they need to be policed if they step out of line. Robots would be a great addition to security forces. With their monitoring of the area, security staff could work in tandem with their robot buddies and take quick action whenever something comes up.

Maintenance

Menial jobs like mowing grass and maintaining the pitch seems destined for robots to do in the future. Cleaning, maintaining and seeing to it that everything is in good condition is robot 101. They can do these tasks way more efficiently than a human being, and there is no exertion involved whatsoever.

Robots with their sensors and other tech can inspect moisture, length, condition of the pitch and areas that need repair. They can also do the small tasks of maintaining locker rooms, getting things ready before a game, and all those things that happen behind the scenes and are done by humans right now. The possibilities are endless, and hiring robots to do these tasks is very productive and cost-effective.

Broadcasting

Robotic drones equipped with AI can be sent into the sky to add multiple eyes to the field. Many camera angles and quality cameras allow for a more immersive viewing experience and breathtaking views. Events can be covered way better than before with robots helping us.

Bionic parts

We have already seen movies and games where bionic people exist. What if this could extend to sports? If money could land you some bionic limbs, it would change sport as we know it. Who knows, maybe a limb with serious injury could be replaced by a robotic one, which might only need maintenance at best.