Athletes are using AI, advanced shoes, and robots to gain an edge

In short: More athletes and sports organizations are using new technology, including AI, to improve performance and reduce injuries.

What's going on

A new season of the Financial Times podcast Tech Tonic looks at how sport is being shaped by tools that help athletes train, compete, and stay healthy. The show argues that as the gap between winning and losing gets smaller, even small improvements can matter.

One example is “supershoes”, high-performance running shoes designed to help runners use energy more efficiently. In simple terms, they are built like extra-springy footwear, which can help runners maintain speed for longer. The podcast links these shoes to recent marathon record-breaking performances.

Another example is AI being used by younger athletes to get noticed by recruiters in American football. AI, short for artificial intelligence, is computer software that can spot patterns in data (like a very fast assistant that sorts and highlights important moments). Players can use these tools to analyze game video and performance metrics, then present clearer evidence of their skills.

The series also looks at combat sports, including the UFC, and how technology is being used to keep fighters healthier for longer. This includes better ways to track training load and recovery, and in some cases the use of robotic sparring partners for practice.

What to watch

Expect more debate about where to draw the line between fair equipment and unfair advantage, especially when gear or software is expensive. It will also matter who controls the data from athletes, and how it is used in selection, training, and career decisions.

Source: Financial Times