Sports Blend Science and Technology

Sports Blend Science and Technology

By Kenneth Morley

When someone visits the golf course on a perfect weekday afternoon, they often don’t realize how much high-tech science goes into playing the game they love.

Sports, such as golf and surfing are being transformed by the induction of these high-tech science and technologies.

When one thinks of technology and sports, ideas such as the engineering of football helmets or advanced scoring systems may come to mind. However, the sports world is seeing more scientific advancements and gadgets that were not even dreamed of five years ago.

The Shaka Company will release one of these scientific advancements with their new anemometer, which is a device for measuring wind speeds, later this year.

Although, an anemometer is not a rare instrument, meteorologists all over the world often use it. However, what makes Shaka's version unique is that it is designed for use with Apple's Iphone. The Shaka Anemometer plugs directly into the Iphone's headphone port and according to their website, will give an accurate reading of the current wind speed

Shaka is marketing this product to surfers who need to know wind speeds to try and catch the perfect wave, and golfers who want to know the wind speed in order to hit an accurate shot.

Other extreme sports enthusiasts, such as hangliders or paragliders could also find this anemometer useful.

Other companies are also trying to make their mark in sports and the multi-billion dollar golf industry has become a flashpoint for new technologies.

The Sensosolutions Company has developed a sensor-filled golf glove that is designed to give the golfer instant feedback on how he or she is gripping the golf club.

This glove includes a battery powered sensor box complete with Light Emitting Diode (LED) screen and pressure sensors that tell the golfer if he or she is holding the club too firm or too light.

The Sensoglove, as it is being dubbed, will set a golfer back $89, but most struggling weekend warriors will more likely tell you the price is worth it if they are able to fix their game and cut off a few strokes.

As fans and competitors place a higher value on sporting glory, so will the available funds for new technological advancement.

Currently, research is being conducted using microchips in balls as well as on digital sensors all along the boundaries on fields. These could also be used in baseball to indicate a ball or strike call or even determine if a ball has gone fair or foul. These chips could also be used on the soccer field or in the hockey arena to determine if a goal is scored.

The possibilities surrounding technology and sports seem endless. As long as sports are played and money is to be made, science and technology will be at the forefront of enhancing performance and fair play.