Digital transformation floods all aspects of our life. More and more sophisticated applications and devices record an infinity of data that, with the help of complex algorithms, help to make decisions.

Manufacturing processes, simulations before the launch of a product, augmented reality, 3D printing, … no matter where we look at the application of technology in many aspects of our lives, it is here to stay.

Can anyone imagine a MotoGP or Formula 1 team without electronic help to decide the parameters of the engine, shock absorbers or tires and make decisions based exclusively on the criteria of the rider…?

The adoption of innovation is uneven in different sectors. It was not until 2005 that the hawk’s eye applied to tennis was used or until 2016 the VAR did not begin to be implemented as an aid to soccer referees.

Precisely in football there is a tremendous field of improvement both in entertainment as we know it, and in the adoption of technology applied in different areas. With the amount of money associated with the signing of a footballer and his short life cycle as a professional, making the most of his performance should be one of the priorities of any team.

What if the use of computers allowed us to have valid information to improve the performance of an athlete or prevent injuries?

We have the gadgets, software and tools to exploit the information. What are necessary are serious initiatives that turn it into a consumable product. A real example of the adoption of technology applied to the performance of footballers is the solution proposed by the Oliver company.

This Argentine startup based in Barcelona offers the necessary logic to register a series of parameters from the players’ shin guards through a device called OLI. Software and devices are of own design. A multitude of data is collected through this tiny device with built-in GPS.

Technical metrics on player efficiency.
Athletic metrics about his performance on the field.
Health metrics, for injury prevention.
The data is transmitted to the application at the end of the activity, which allows an analysis and monitoring of the sports performance of the players and allows us to compare their records with their history and that of their teammates.

The product is a reality and the benefits are clear. Sport and innovation for greater efficiency and Oliver is a clear example of this. A good number of teams from the quarry Argentina, Uruguay and the Extremaduran women’s team from the Primera Iberdrola Santa Teresa CD, bet on this technology.