Technology and sports fit together like a hand in a well oiled baseball mit. From athlete wearables to instant replay, new technology has revolutionized the way sports like football, baseball and basketball are played and watched.
When we asked Alex Adams of Rodeo Analytics if there was a place for technology in rodeo, the answer was an overwhelming yes.
“Rodeo is an underserved sport,” said Adams. “They do utilize technology, but I think there’s much more that technology could do for them.”
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Video analysis for barrel racing
A recent graduate of the University of Nebraska with a degree in mechanical engineering, Adams plans for Rodeo Analytics to provide technical analysis of rodeo events, such as path analysis, turning radius, speed, and other metrics so competitors can use this feedback to improve their performance.
Rodeo Analytics is currently focusing on barrel racing. He hopes to work with a venue like the Lancaster Event Center, which hosts indoor rodeo competitions, to set up his camera and computer system that will allow him to analyze a competitor’s performance.
“Technology in general will drastically change how competitors train and prepare for their respected rodeo events, as well as provide an even safer environment for rodeo participants,” said Adams.
Working on a prototype
So far, Adams has done a survey of potential users. Ninety-five percent say that they would be very interested in receiving video analysis or a similar coaching tool. Right now, 75% of users are receiving their video footage from one angle from the stands. Rodeo Analytics would obtain video from cameras mounted directly over the arena.
“With the interest we’ve already received, I think the ceiling for success is really high,” said Adams.
Rodeo Analytics has a long way to go to achieve their goal of bringing new technology to rodeo. The next step is completing their next prototype and working with a venue to get a system in place.
“We were able to do a little bit of work with some inexpensive cameras to verify the image processing method in order to get the analysis we want,” said Adams. “But, the plan is to pair the analysis with raw video so competitors can clearly see what actions affect performance.”
Adams compares the analytics to other forms of racing.
“Like Formula 1 racing, barrel racing has an optimal speed and turning radius around obstacles. We want to be able to draw that out for them so that it’s very very clear.”
