Survey Finds Kids Want Robots, Cameras, and AI in Sports

According to a recent survey of 1,000 children aged 10 to 16, the top technology developments they want to see in sports include free-flying drones, performance-enhancing exoskeleton suits, and AI referees. Cameras in footballs and underwater racing cars also ranked highly among their preferences. The survey also revealed that 85% of the children watch some form of sport, and 25% would be likely to watch more if robots and computers were involved.

Kids Hope for Future Tech to Fix Broken Bones and Measure Punch Strength

Aside from the tech developments mentioned above, the children expressed a desire for devices that can fix broken bones and injuries in a flash. They also hope for boxing gloves that can measure the force of a punch. The survey was conducted by Virgin Media O2, which is supporting BBC Children in Need with 5G connectivity across their national Hado eSport tour.

Football Reigns Supreme as Most-Watched Sport

Despite the controversy surrounding VAR and video technology in football, the survey found that 64% of the children watched football, making it the most popular sport among them. Tennis and rugby claimed the second and third spots, with 26% and 24% of the children tuning in to watch those sports, respectively. On the other hand, 15% of the children said they hadn't watched any sport in the past year.

Kids Excited About More Technology in Sports

The survey also revealed that 78% of the children would be excited if more technology was added to their favorite game. The idea of robot referees and cameras in smart footballs proved to be popular, with 41% of the children expressing interest in those developments. Additionally, 17% liked the idea of exoskeleton suits to protect athletes, and 12% fancied supplying basketball players with trampolines.

Virtual Sports and eSports Gaining Popularity

More than one-third of the children surveyed said they watched sport a few times a week, with 7% watching every day and 19% watching once a week. Outside of school, 45% played football, 27% went swimming, and 15% took part in athletics. When it came to virtual sports, 35% of the children had played eSports or multiplayer video games and welcomed the potential to compete in virtual sports. FIFA, Fortnite, and Call of Duty were the favorite games among them.

The Future of Sports: Incorporating Technology with Tradition

Virgin Media O2's spokesperson emphasized that increased access to technology is rapidly changing the hobbies and interests of the younger generation. They believe that incorporating technology with traditional sports will keep young people engaged and allow them to enjoy the physical benefits in the most entertaining way possible.

Top 12 Most Wanted Tech Developments in Sports - Voted by Kids

1. Smart balls with built-in sensors
2. Cameras in footballs
3. Virtual reality headsets for fans to see the sport through the eyes of their favorite player
4. Eco-friendly sports stadiums
5. Injury prevention technology
6. Robot referees
7. Advanced safety technology for coaches to monitor player injuries
8. Virtual fan interactions to speak with players
9. Underwater racing cars
10. Exoskeleton suits to make players stronger
11. Artificial intelligence (AI) sports commentary
12. Swimsuits with motors