The ATP conducts Biometric sensor test at Indian Wells
The ATP and ATP Media, in partnership with Sports Data Labs (SDL), successfully completed an experimental trial of real-time, medical grade, Biometric sensors at the BNP Paribas Open, Indian Wells.
“These are very early days in this field, and this ground-breaking trial focussed on using a variety of third party, high resolution, medical grade sensors on an elite athlete at a tournament to wirelessly transmit real time Biomechanical and Biometric data directly to a single platform, achieving something that has never been done before,” said Shane Warden, director of broadcast and technology, ATP Media. “Basic biometric and biomechanical data acquisition is not new, but this test proves in an intensely radio frequency hostile environment that high resolution, medical grade measurements can be transmitted wirelessly to a device agnostic system that will process insights in real time. From this test, we can begin the next stage of development of both the platform and next generation sensors through consultation with Players and their Teams.”
The SDL platform has been developed utilizing its team’s extensive experience building complex and scalable technology platforms, and is unique in its ability to integrate directly with medical grade sensors and bypassing their native software.
“We are excited to be supporting ATP Media and the ATP on their pioneering initiatives to unlock the value of biometric and biomechanical data for all stakeholders within the ATP tennis ecosystem,” said Mark Gorski, CEO of Sports Data Labs. “Advancements in data technologies are outpacing sports organizations’ ability to use them. Our agnostic and open approach allows organizations to adopt the best technology at any given time and seamlessly work with multiple third-party sensors through a single application.”
“As part of our Big Data initiative in conjunction with the ATP, we believe the combination of Biometrics and Biomechanics with our other data such as Hawkeye ball and player tracking all synchronised with our video creates the tremendous potential for unique and far reaching services for Players across Development and Performance as well as enhancing the drama of our Broadcast,” said Stuart Watts COO ATP Media.
ATP and ATP Media will now undertake a consultative process with Players and their Teams with the aim of developing a common set of measurements and derived insights that ultimately lead to optimised medical grade sensors that could lead to standardisation of measured biometric data in Sports.
“This was an important first step to take with Sports Data Labs,” said Chris Kermode, ATP executive chairman & president. “While we are still in an early developmental stage, we look forward to making further strides in this exciting area which has the potential to benefit player training and performance, as well as enriching the fan experience through enhanced data.”