The Park

The responsible and ethical integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into sports has the potential to provide enormous benefits. 

AI and ML can process vast amounts of data more efficiently than traditional methods, providing deeper insights into the health and performance of athletes, clubs and organisations. This has the potential to provide more directed and effective training programs, which can lead to improved outcomes and reduced injury rates. These technologies also have the potential to enhance strategic planning by analysing patterns and predicting outcomes, potentially giving teams a competitive edge.

AI and ML tools can be used to support community sports, potentially providing efficiencies for busy volunteers, supporting community coaches by making advanced performance analysis accessible to a broader range of athletes or alternatively used to develop membership analytics making the case for corporate sponsorships.

The ASC is seeking partners in the AI/ML space that can impact community as well as high-performance sports.

• Of interest is using AI/ML for injury prevention.
• Of interest is using AI/ML to reduce burden on volunteers in sport, reduce administrative load.

The ethical development and integration of the next generation of wearable devices in sports is crucial for several reasons.

Wearable technologies allow for continuous monitoring of an athlete's physiological, neurological and biomechanical data in real-time. This data can provide valuable insights into an athlete's performance, helping to identify strengths and areas for improvement.  Wearables can track health metrics such as heart rate, hydration levels, and sleep patterns with relative ease today. The ASC is looking for the next generation of wearables to inform and enhance performance with actionable insights, which will be essential for maintaining a competitive edge. Furthermore, the accessibility of wearable technology means that these benefits can extend beyond elite athletes to community sports, promoting a healthier and more informed sporting and physical culture. 

• Of interest for the ASC is wearable technology that can address the gap in continuous lactate monitoring and real time feedback
• Of interest is biomechanical feedback in ecologically valid environments i.e. field of play

The application of digital twin technologies in sports involves creating virtual replicas of athletes, coaches and performance support as well as their physical environments / Daily Performance Environments (DPEs).

These digital twins enable detailed analysis and simulation, providing a deeper understanding of performance dynamics. By replicating a person’s physical, physiological, and knowledge characteristics, digital twins allow for monitoring, assessment and analysis without the need for invasive interventions.  The use of digital twins can also enhance equipment selection and development and reduce the need for physical testing with the athlete. With digital twins, performance support can continue to develop independent of athlete’s physical location.  

This technology can simulate various scenarios, helping coaches and sports scientists to optimize training regimens and strategies. The use of digital twins extends to environmental factors as well, allowing for the simulation of different playing conditions to better prepare athletes. Overall, digital twin technology can represent an advancement in sports science and technology, offering a comprehensive tool for performance enhancement and decision-making. 

The ASC is seeking digital twin applications for athletes, coaches, performance support and infrastructure (DPEs).

• Of interest to the ASC is digital and augmented performance, training, inclusion and rehabilitation environments (AR, VR and XR)
• Of interest is any technologies that would enhance Sportex (AIS campus), this would be a live installation at Sportex trialled by thousands of children and teenagers from across Australia.

The need for innovation in the assessment and treatment of brain health, performance and injury is driven by significant gaps in current research and understanding in an ever-evolving landscape. In competition measurements of neurological stress is difficult.  Fatigue can impair performance and understanding how athletes make decisions under stress can mean the difference between winning and losing.  Mild forms of traumatic brain injury are common in sports but remain challenging to diagnose and manage due to their complex nature. 

Additionally, the long-term effects of poor brain performance especially from high stress and repeated injuries, are not fully understood, necessitating further research to ensure athlete safety and well-being.  By focusing on this area, The Park aims to advance the scientific and practical understanding of brain performance, improve assessment tools, and develop more effective strategies.

The ASC is seeking technology and applications that will help ensure injuries are diagnosed effectively; athletes can return to play safely and reduce the risks of long-term health issues.

•  Of interest for the ASC is technology that can monitor and inform cognitive loading and performance

The adaption of new and emerging applications of advanced materials in aiding human performance.

Innovation in materials science can enhance athlete performance, safety and sustainability through the development of advanced equipment, apparel, surfaces and protective technologies. New materials can improve performance and accessibility across high performance and professional sport. This area also includes smart, adaptive and sustainable materials that respond to athlete needs or environmental conditions without compromising performance.

The ASC is seeking partners developing materials, products or systems that can be validated in sporting environments, demonstrate clear performance or safety benefits, and have potential for integration across multiple sports.

•  Of interest is surface technologies that reduce drag in aqueous environments.