Wearable technology a game-changer
New Zealand wearable technology has been adopted by some of the world’s most famous sports teams.
The sensors are providing coaches with instant feedback on their athletes’ performance.
I Measure U’s (IMU) technology is being used by the US army, National Basketball Association teams Philadelphia 76ers and Oklahoma City Thunder, and has just been picked up by England’s Chelsea Football Club.
IMU’s chief executive Matt Clarke said the devices provided coaches with performance insights.
For example, its waist sensor could calculate how high an athlete jumped. If they were jumping lower than their average, it would suggest they were fatigued or injured and a coach could adjust training methods accordingly, Clarke said.
The technology was particularly useful for injured athletes because the sensors could measure recovery.
‘‘We arm the coaches with information to be able to make decisions really precisely, rather than subjectively.’’
Exercise product company Circuband has added sensors to its latest range of sports gear.
The devices collect data such as strength levels during workouts.
Circuband co-founder Daniel Thomson said sensor technology made its product an ‘‘easy sell’’ in a crowded international market.
He said sensors would change every aspect of fitness. ‘‘ No one can cheat anymore.’’
The Christchurch company’s products are used by the New Zealand Defence Force, New Zealand Rugby and Cricket Australia.
It will launch on Kickstarter this year before seeking more investment.