This post is also available in:
עברית (Hebrew)
Lyuliang University researchers combined cutting-edge technology with sports science to create a tool that can track athletes and help them reach their full potential. The new intelligent monitoring system solution is a flexible wearable sensor that can provide real-time feedback on a player’s performance. The researchers claim this sensor is an affordable and adaptable solution that addresses the limitations of current performance monitoring systems, which can often be time-consuming and subjective.
This monitoring technology was created to monitor badminton games that require speed, precision, and quick movements, presenting unique challenges for performance analysis. The current methods being used include video capture and rigid sensors, all of which tend to struggle to deliver the needed information.
Author of the study (the findings of which have been reported in APL Materials), Yun Yang, explained: “We integrated our expertise in flexible sensor technology and intelligent perception systems into badminton motion monitoring for a quantitative analysis of badminton techniques, to provide more professional guidance for badminton players.”
According to Interesting Engineering, the sensors are made from a triboelectric material that captures the electrical charge resulting from two different materials rubbing against each other, eliminating the need for an external power supply. The researchers created a flexible, 3D-printed arch-shaped sensor covered in a soft material to prevent interference of bending and twisting during movement, ensuring comfort and customization. The intelligent system has a multichannel acquisition card and advanced neural network algorithms, thus offering continuous monitoring and immediate feedback.
The data captured by the sensors includes arm swings, footwork, and posture, which are then analyzed by advanced algorithms to identify areas for improvement.
This innovative technology has vast potential applications – its athletic-friendly design lets it accurately capture a wide range of body motions, providing new ideas for solving the problems of large joint bends or twists faced by current 3D-printed triboelectric sensors. It could be used for extensive intelligent sports monitoring and analysis in the era of big data.
Looking ahead, the team plans to harness triboelectric sensor technology for advancements in human health, specifically for monitoring and diagnosing various medical conditions.
